Police are hunting for a suspect in the shooting death of a prominent Texas official and gubernatorial appointee who was gunned down at a McAllen business just after Christmas.
Authorities have identified Reynaldo Mata-Rios, 60, as the primary suspect in the killing of Eddy Betancourt, a 61-year-old businessman who served as vice chair of the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors and had been appointed to his position by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Mata-Rios, described as a Hispanic male standing 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 195 pounds, was last known to reside in nearby Pharr, Texas, according to authorities.
Fatal Shooting in Broad Daylight
The violence erupted on December 27, 2025, at a business located in the 800 block of North Ware Road in McAllen. Emergency dispatchers received a frantic 911 call at 3:51 PM reporting that a victim was “on the floor [possibly] shot” and “[not] breathing,” as documented in police reports. Officers arriving at the scene confirmed their worst fears – Betancourt was unresponsive with no pulse and had apparent gunshot wounds.
What led to the deadly confrontation? Investigators haven’t released details about a potential motive, but the search for Mata-Rios has intensified after an unexpected twist in the case.
The suspect reportedly told officials he intended to surrender to McAllen police, but then disappeared before making good on that promise. He currently remains at large, having effectively misled authorities about his intentions to turn himself in.
Community Leader Lost
Betancourt wasn’t just any victim. His role as vice chair of the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors made him a significant figure in local governance. Governor Abbott had personally selected him for the position, highlighting his standing in the community and the state’s political apparatus.
The Mission businessman’s death has sent shockwaves through the Rio Grande Valley, where he was known as both a public servant and private sector leader. Local officials have expressed their condolences to Betancourt’s family while emphasizing the importance of bringing his killer to justice.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on Mata-Rios’s whereabouts to contact local law enforcement immediately, though they caution the public not to approach the suspect directly as he should be considered armed and dangerous.
As the investigation continues, the community is left to grapple with both the loss of a public figure and the unsettling reality that his alleged killer remains free – a somber reminder that even in broad daylight, violence can shatter the routine of everyday life.
