McAllen authorities are seeking a second suspect linked to the death of Betancourt while Gov. Abbott urges cooperation from Mexico for extradition.
SAN ANTONIO — Authorities in McAllen now say they’re looking for a second suspect in connection with the Dec. 27 death of prominent businessman and Texas Facilities Commissioner Eddy Betancourt.
In a Monday press release, the McAllen Police Department shared an image of a man identified as Leonel Perez Delgado, behind the wheel of a vehicle. Police have accused Delgado of helping 60-year-old Reynaldo Mata-Rios – the suspect in Betancourt’s murder – cross into Mexico in the red truck seen in the photo.
The photo, McAllen PD says, was taken Dec. 28. That’s one day after Betancourt, 61, was found with apparent gunshot wounds in the South Texas city.
“McAllen Police Investigators believe Leonel Perez Delgado did intend to hinder the arrest, harbor or conceal Reynaldo Mata-Rios by driving him out of the country,” McAllen PD said in the news release, adding a warrant has been issued for Delgado’s arrest.
Governor Greg Abbott, who had appointed Betancourt to the Texas Facilities Commission, said in a Friday press release that Mata-Rios had fled to Mexico and demanded that the government there work with U.S. officials to extradite him.
“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,” Abbott said in the press release.
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.
Delgado, 61, faces a third-degree felony charge if found. Authorities described as standing 5 feet 8; weighing 225 pounds; and having grey hair and brown eyes. He was last known to reside in Pharr, the same as Mata-Rios.
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.”