A well-known businessman and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott appointee was shot and killed over the weekend at a business in McAllen, a border city in the Rio Grande Valley, authorities said.
McAllen police identified the victim as Eddy Betancourt, 61, of Mission, Texas.
Officers responded Saturday afternoon to the 800 block of North Ware Road following a 911 call reporting a man lying on the floor who may have been shot and was not breathing. Betancourt was found unresponsive, with no pulse, and appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound, police said.
His death is being investigated as a homicide.
On Sunday, police named Reynaldo Mata-Rios, 60, as a suspect in the shooting. A warrant charging Mata-Rios with murder, a first-degree felony, was issued by McAllen Municipal Court.
Authorities said Mata-Rios had indicated an intention to surrender but had not done so as of Sunday afternoon. He is described as 6 feet tall, weighing approximately 195 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Betancourt was appointed to the Texas Facilities Commission by Gov. Abbott in 2020, overseeing construction, maintenance, and leasing of state-owned buildings. He was reappointed in 2023 to a term set to expire in 2029, according to the governor’s office.
In addition to his government role, Betancourt served as president of R&B General Construction Co. Inc., co-owner and president of National Tire and Wheel LLC, and general retail partner manager for E2H Investment. He was also on the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors and was a member of both the McAllen Board of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and that a motive for the shooting has not yet been released.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
