In a press release over the weekend, Governor Greg Abbott urged Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for the immediate extradition of the alleged killer of Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) Appointee Eddy Betancourt.
According to a McAllen Police report, Betancourt was found unresponsive after being inflicted with a fatal gunshot wound after a 911 call that occurred on Jan. 27, 2025.
The next day, McAllen PD released information on the suspect in the shooting, a 60-year-old Reynaldo Mata-Rios.
The suspect is said to have stated that he intends to surrender to the charge of murder but has yet to do so. His last known location in the U.S. was Pharr, Texas.
Gov. Abbott first appointed Betancourt to the TFC in 202, and he was reappointed in April of 2023. The Commission is a state agency based in Austin, TX, that manages state-owned and leased properties and has responsibilities that include construction and maintenance.
In his statement, Gov. Abbott expressed his and his wife’s condolences before urging President Sheinbaum to extradite suspect Mata-Rios to Texas.
“Cecilia and I are deeply saddened by the senseless murder of Commissioner Eddy Betancourt, whose life was tragically taken on Saturday," said Governor Abbott. "Betancourt was a patriot who served as Texas Facilities Commissioner with integrity and professionalism. I am formally demanding that President Claudia Sheinbaum and the Mexican government coordinate with the U.S. government to extradite alleged murderer Reynaldo Mata-Rios to Texas so he can face justice.”
Aside from being Texas Facilities Commissioner, Betancourt was also a businessman with his most notable role being the vice chair of the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors.
The Mission community mourns the death of the late Commissioner.
Hidalgo County Judge Ricard F. Cortez said in a statement, “On behalf of Hidalgo County, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and many friends of Eddy Betancourt. Eddy was a tireless advocate for our community. His leadership, generosity, and passion for service made a lasting impact on our county. He will be remembered with great respect and gratitude.”
Despite the governor’s call-to-action, Mata-Rios has yet to turn himself in or be extradited to Texas authorities.
