Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the Office of the Governor’s Public Safety Office is offering a reward of up to $30,000 for information leading to the arrest of Reynaldo Mata-Rios. The announcement follows the death of Eddy Betancourt, who was found deceased on December 27, 2025. A warrant for Mata-Rios’ arrest for murder was issued by the McAllen Police Department on December 28, 2025.
Betancourt served as vice chairman of the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors and had been appointed by Governor Abbott to serve on the Texas Facilities Commission.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has added Mata-Rios to its 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List. According to authorities, Mata-Rios is a 60-year-old Hispanic male, approximately six feet tall and weighing 195 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. He was last seen crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in a red truck on December 28, 2025. Law enforcement officials advise that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Governor Abbott said: “Cecilia and I mourn the tragic loss of Commissioner Eddy Betancourt, and we pray for his family and loved ones. The State of Texas remains in regular coordination with local law enforcement to provide all necessary resources to ensure those responsible face the consequences of their actions and the full weight of the law for this heinous crime. I encourage Texans with information relating to this crime to call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or submit an anonymous tip online. With the public’s help, we will capture those responsible and put them behind bars.”
Tipsters can provide information through several methods: calling the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477), submitting a web tip through the Texas 10 Most Wanted website, or submitting a tip online. Anonymity is guaranteed by law regardless of how tips are submitted; individuals providing tips will receive a tip number instead of using their name.
Authorities caution that fugitives should be considered armed and dangerous and urge members of the public not to attempt apprehension themselves.
Governor Abbott leads the executive office for Texas state government, which supports border security efforts along with other initiatives such as economic development and education enhancement. His office operates from Austin at the State Insurance Building as part of the executive branch serving statewide across Texas.
