In a Friday release, the governor said Eddy Betancourt served as a Texas Facilities Commissioner “with integrity and professionalism” before his death.
SAN ANTONIO — Nearly a week after Eddy Betancourt – a prominent South Texas-based businessman and state appointee to the Texas Facilities Commission – was found dead in McAllen, law enforcement continue to look for the man they suspect killed him.
Betancourt, 61, was found with apparent gunshot wounds in the 800 block of North Ware Road in McAllen on Saturday, according to a press release from the police department. Authorities later identified 60-year-old Reynaldo Mata-Rios of Pharr, Texas, as the suspect in his murder.
McAllen PD haven’t share official updates on the investigation since Monday. But Gov. Greg Abbott, who originally appointed Betancourt to the Texas Facilities Commission, said in a Friday press release that Mata-Rios had “absconded to Mexico.”
Abbott went on to urge that the Mexican government work with U.S. officials to bring Mata-Rios back to Texas.
“I am formally demanding that President Claudia Sheinbaum and the Mexican government coordinate with the U.S. government to extradite alleged murderer Reynaldo Mata-Rios to Texas so he can face justice. Those who harm Texans must not be allowed to flee across the Rio Grande,” Abbott said in the statement. ” The Mexican government—if it wishes to be deemed ‘a friendly power’—must refuse to be ‘a sanctuary and place of refuge’ for those who murder Texans and ensure that they will go through due process and face the consequences of their actions.”
McAllen PD previously said Mata-Rios signaled he would surrender to authorities but hadn’t done so.
State and federal agencies are assisting in the ongoing homicide investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-8477. A cash reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.
‘A tireless advocate’
Betancourt, a graduate of the University of Texas Pan American, had a strong presence in the Hidalgo County business community. He served as president of R&B General Construction, co-owner and president of National Tire and Wheel, and a partner manager of E2H Investments.
He was also vice chair for the Hidalgo County Appraisal District.
In a previous statement, Hidalgo County officials called Betancourt, a 61-year-old Mission man, a “respected businessman and dedicated public servant.”
“Betancourt planed an important role in advancing both local and state initiatives that benefited the Rio Grande Valley,” the statement goes on to say.
County Judge Richard F. Cortez called Betancourt “a tireless advocate” who “will be remembered with great respect and gratitude.”
Betancourt was expected to serve as a Texas Facilities Commissioner until 2029. In his Friday statement, Abbott called Betancourt “a patriot who served… with integrity and professionalism.”