A prominent Texas businessman and state appointee was fatally shot over the weekend in McAllen, turning a busy Rio Grande Valley corridor into the focus of a homicide investigation and prompting a coordinated law enforcement response.
Authorities identified the victim as Eddy Betancourt, 61, of Mission, Texas, a well-known contractor and member of the Texas Facilities Commission, which oversees construction, maintenance and leasing of state-owned buildings.
McAllen police said officers responded Saturday afternoon to a 911 call on North Ware Road regarding an unresponsive man.
Upon arrival, they found Betancourt suffering from a gunshot wound and pronounced him dead at the scene, Trending Politics reports.
Reynaldo Mata-Rios, 60, has been named as a suspect in the killing.
The McAllen Municipal Court issued a first-degree felony warrant for murder on Sunday. Police reported that Mata-Rios had indicated his intent to surrender but remained at large as of Monday morning.
Authorities have not released information about the relationship between Mata-Rios and Betancourt or any potential motive for the shooting.
Betancourt held numerous leadership roles in business.
According to Fox 26 Houston, he served as president of R&B General Construction Co. Inc., co-owner and president of National Tire and Wheel LLC and general retail partner manager for E2H Investments.
He also participated in local real estate and civic organizations, including the McAllen Board of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors, and served on the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors.
In public service, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) appointed Betancourt to the Texas Facilities Commission in 2020 and reappointed him in 2023 to a term scheduled to extend through 2029.
In this capacity, he oversaw state building construction and maintenance projects across Texas, placing him at the intersection of government operations, infrastructure oversight and public accountability.
Betancourt’s death has drawn widespread public tributes.
Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez described him on Facebook as a “tireless advocate for our community” whose leadership and generosity left a lasting impact.
Mission City Councilman Ruben Plata, who knew Betancourt during their college years at the University of Texas-Pan American, called him a “hard-working gentleman” and noted that his loss has shocked both the business and civic communities.
Police released a physical description of Mata-Rios to assist the public: 6 feet tall, approximately 195 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Law enforcement has urged anyone with information to contact McAllen Crime Stoppers or submit tips anonymously through the “P3 Tips” application. Cash rewards may be offered for information leading to an arrest.
The McAllen Police Department is collaborating with local, state and federal agencies to apprehend Mata-Rios and investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not disclosed the type of firearm used.
This incident underscores both the risks faced by public figures in the Rio Grande Valley and the importance of multiagency coordination in high-profile criminal cases.
Betancourt’s contributions to business and government leave a significant mark on the communities he served, and his death has highlighted ongoing concerns about safety, accountability and the impact of violent crime on civic life.
