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. Eddy Betancourt, vice chairman of the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors and an appointee to the Texas Facilities Commission by Governor Abbott, was found deceased on December 27, 2025. The McAllen Police Department issued a warrant for Mata-Rios’ arrest for murder on December 28.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has added Mata-Rios to its 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List. According to authorities, Mata-Rios is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 6 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. Officials warn that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Governor Abbott expressed condolences following Betancourt’s death. “Cecilia and I mourn the tragic loss of Commissioner Eddy Betancourt, and we pray for his family and loved ones,” said Governor Abbott. “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 may be eligible for cash rewards if they 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; tipsters will receive a tip number instead of using their name.
Authorities emphasize that fugitives should be considered armed and dangerous and urge Texans not to attempt apprehension themselves.
Governor Abbott leads the executive office for Texas state government, focusing on economic development, education enhancement, border security efforts, and community initiatives (official website). The office supports job growth in Texas and operates from its primary offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building (official website). Since his election in 2014, Abbott has directed initiatives such as Operation Lone Star for border security (official website).
