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, vice chairman of the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors and an appointee to the Texas Facilities Commission by Governor Abbott. Betancourt 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 placed Mata-Rios on its 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List.
“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.”
Authorities describe Reynaldo Mata-Rios as a Hispanic male, approximately six feet tall and weighing 195 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. He was last seen crossing into Mexico in a red truck on December 28, 2025. Law enforcement advises that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Tips can be submitted through several channels: by 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 an online tip. Anonymity is guaranteed by law for all tipsters regardless of submission method; individuals providing tips will receive a number instead of using their name.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott is part of the executive branch in state government and maintains its primary offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building. Under Governor Abbott’s leadership since his election in 2014, this office has supported border security efforts such as Operation Lone Star and coordinated closely with local law enforcement agencies across Texas.
