Texas businessman, Gov Abbott appointee shot dead in border city: police
Share this @internewscast.com

A well-known entrepreneur and appointee of Texas Governor Greg Abbott tragically lost his life in a shooting incident at a McAllen business, located in the Rio Grande Valley, as reported by local authorities over the weekend.

The McAllen police have identified the deceased as Eddy Betancourt, a 61-year-old resident of Mission, Texas.

Law enforcement officers were dispatched to the 800 block of North Ware Road on Saturday afternoon following an emergency call reporting an unresponsive man on the floor, possibly suffering from a gunshot wound and not breathing. Upon arrival, officers found Betancourt without a pulse and appearing to have been shot.

The authorities have classified his death as a homicide and are continuing their investigation.

Eddy Betancourt wearing a suit and tie.

At the scene, officers confirmed that the victim, identified as Eddy Betancourt, 61, from Mission, Texas, was unresponsive. (Texas Facilities Commission)

On Sunday, police announced that they have identified 60-year-old Reynaldo Mata-Rios as a suspect in the case.

A warrant charging Mata-Rios with murder, a first-degree felony, was issued by the McAllen Municipal Court.

Authorities said Mata-Rios indicated he intended to surrender but had not done so as of Sunday afternoon. Mata-Rios is 6 feet tall and weighs approximately 195 pounds, according to police. He has brown hair and brown eyes.

Reynaldo Mata-Rios in a booking photo

Reynaldo Mata-Rios is wanted for the shooting death of Eddy Betancourt. (McAllen Police Department)

In 2020, Abbott appointed Betancourt to the Texas Facilities Commission, which oversees 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.

Along with serving in state government, Betancourt was president of R&B General Construction Co. Inc., co-owner and president of National Tire and Wheel LLC, and a general retail partner manager for E2H Investment. He also worked on the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors and was a member of the McAllen Board of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in front of microphone

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is seen on Nov. 14, 2025, in Midlothian, Texas.  (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not released a possible motive.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Department of Homeland Security for comment.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Polls: Rep. Byron Donalds is 'clear frontrunner' in 2026 Florida governor race

Rep. Byron Donalds Emerges as Leading Candidate in 2026 Florida Governor Race, Polls Show

According to poll officials, Congressman Byron Donalds’ lead in the gubernatorial race…
NJ town offers $2k reward for info on missing Rutgers student

NJ Town Announces $2,000 Reward for Information on Missing Rutgers Student

A town in New Jersey has announced a reward for any information…
Client of Vikki McKnuckle of ACL Travel in South Holland reaches settlement after several complain of canceled, postponed trips

ACL Travel’s Vikki McKnuckle Reaches Settlement After Client Complaints Over Canceled and Postponed Trips

In South Holland, Illinois, a situation involving a local travel agent has…
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: Israel to honor 'incredible human being' Charlie Kirk

Fox News Launches ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: Israel to Recognize Charlie Kirk for His Exceptional Contributions

Fox News’ “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter brings you the latest updates on the…
Where Mets' final offer to Kyle Tucker stood before he chose Dodgers

Mets’ Final Bid for Kyle Tucker Revealed: Why the Star Chose the Dodgers Instead

The New York Mets made a strong play for Kyle Tucker, but…
Trump is meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader after cozying up to Maduro's successor

Trump’s Strategic Pivot: From Embracing Maduro’s Successor to Engaging Venezuela’s Opposition Leader

WASHINGTON — On Thursday, Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado met with…
Landry Shamet returns to Knicks after shoulder injury nearly costs 2 months

Landry Shamet Makes Triumphant Comeback to Knicks After Two-Month Shoulder Setback

SAN FRANCISCO — After working diligently through rehabilitation, Landry Shamet is ready…
Arlington Heights officials to make push to keep Chicago Bears in Illinois as teams looks to build stadium

Arlington Heights Rallies to Keep Chicago Bears in Illinois with Ambitious Stadium Plans

As the Chicago Bears prepare to face off against the Rams this…
Bill and Hillary Clinton risk contempt of Congress charges after failing to testify at Jeffrey Epstein hearing

Bill and Hillary Clinton Face Contempt of Congress Allegations for Nonappearance at Jeffrey Epstein Hearing

Both Bill and Hillary Clinton were notably absent from a House Oversight…
Appeals court reverses ruling that released pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil from immigration detention

Court Reinstates Detention for Pro-Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil

In a significant development for the Trump administration, an appeals court has…
Three Illegal Aliens Accused of Beating ICE Agent with Shovel in Minneapolis

Three Undocumented Immigrants Charged in Minneapolis ICE Agent Assault

Three individuals, who entered the United States illegally and were subsequently released…
Tyler Robinson, the defendant in Charlie Kirk's shooting death, asks judge to disqualify prosecutors

Tyler Robinson Seeks Judge’s Intervention to Remove Prosecutors in Charlie Kirk Shooting Case

A Utah man, charged with the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk,…