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
1-year-old injured after teen driver crashes car off Oklahoma bridge

Teen Driver Crashes Car Off Oklahoma Bridge, Injuring 1-Year-Old

In a dramatic incident early Saturday morning, a vehicle careened off a…
Iran secures UN role with backing from UK, France, Canada, Australia as US stands alone

Iran Gains Key UN Position with Support from UK, France, Canada, Australia; US Remains Isolated

Several Western democracies, such as the UK, France, Canada, and Australia, are…
Hezbollah calls on Lebanon to reject US-led peace talks with Israel

Hezbollah Urges Lebanon to Oppose US-Backed Peace Negotiations with Israel

Hezbollah’s leader has urged Lebanese authorities to dismiss upcoming US-led peace negotiations…
Australia appoints Susan Coyle to lead its army — the first woman in the country's history

Australia Names Susan Coyle as Its First Female Army Chief in Historic Appointment

SYDNEY — In a landmark announcement, Australia revealed on Monday that, for…
At least 16 injured in mass shooting at high school in Turkey after ex-student opens fire: report

Tragedy Strikes: Former Student’s Shooting Rampage at Turkish High School Leaves 16 Injured

In a tragic event on Tuesday, an ex-student unleashed gunfire at a…
Monster typhoon in the Pacific Ocean is bearing down on group of remote US islands

Massive Pacific Typhoon Threatens Remote US Islands with Devastating Impact

A powerful super typhoon is on a collision course with several remote…
Bahamas authorities race against deadline to charge or cut loose husband of missing American woman

Urgent Deadline Looms: Bahamas Authorities Scramble in Search for Missing American Woman’s Husband

Bahamian authorities are racing against a Monday evening deadline to either charge…
Man shot, Raines High School on lockdown after off-campus shooting, JSO says

Raines High School Secures Campus Following Off-Campus Shooting Incident, Reports Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office

Jacksonville’s Raines High School is under lockdown following a shooting incident in…
'#SKYKING' director on the true story of a man who stole a commercial airplane for one last joyride

Unveiling the Thrilling True Story Behind ‘#SKYKING’: The Man Who Stole a Commercial Jet for a Final Adventure

In a tale that captivated the nation back in 2018, the story…
Trump makes wild claim defending Jesus-like AI post, refuses to apologize to Pope Leo over Iran war dispute

Trump Defends Controversial AI Jesus Post Amid Iran War Dispute, Dismisses Apology to Pope Leo

On Monday, President Trump stood firm in his decision not to apologize…
Butler man’s online rants to kill Trump end in guilty plea after FBI probe

Butler Resident Admits Guilt Following FBI Investigation into Threats Against Trump

A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has admitted guilt to issuing threats against…
Husband of missing mom Lynette Hooker in 'extremely fragile state' as cops must make major decision today

Urgent Decision Looms as Lynette Hooker’s Husband Faces Emotional Turmoil Amidst Ongoing Investigation

The husband of missing American woman Lynette Hooker is reportedly in a…