Texas businessman, Gov Abbott appointee shot dead in border city: police
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A well-known businessman, who had been appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, was fatally shot at a commercial location in McAllen, a city near the Rio Grande Valley border, over the weekend, according to law enforcement officials.

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

On Saturday afternoon, officers were dispatched to the 800 block of North Ware Road following a 911 call reporting a man lying on the floor, possibly shot and not breathing. Upon arrival, Betancourt was discovered unresponsive, showing no signs of life, and appeared to have sustained a gunshot injury, authorities reported.

The incident is currently being treated as a homicide, according to police statements.

Eddy Betancourt wearing a suit and tie.

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

Police on Sunday identified Reynaldo Mata-Rios, 60, as a suspect in the shooting.

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.

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