Gov. Greg Abbott has announced that the state is offering a reward of up to $30,000 for information leading to the arrest of Reynaldo Mata-Rios, who is wanted in connection with the murder of Eddy Betancourt, a state appointee found shot and killed late last month.
Betancourt was found deceased on December 27, 2025. The following day, the McAllen Police Department issued a warrant charging Mata-Rios with murder.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has since added Mata-Rios to its 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List. Authorities say Mata-Rios, 60, was last seen crossing the U.S.–Mexico border in a red truck on December 28 and should be considered armed and dangerous.
Earlier Thursday, McAllen police announced the arrest of Perez Delgado, suspected of helping Mata-Rios flee to Mexico following the killing. He faces a charge of hindering apprehension or prosecution, a third-degree felony.
Abbott said the state remains actively engaged with local and federal law enforcement agencies to apprehend the suspect.
“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,” Abbott said. “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.”
Betancourt served as vice chairman of the Hidalgo County Appraisal District board of directors and was appointed by Abbott to the Texas Facilities Commission.
Abbott has also formally called for Mata-Rios’ extradition from Mexico. In a statement issued last week, the governor demanded that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and the Mexican government coordinate with U.S. authorities to return Mata-Rios to Texas to face justice.
Abbott added that those who commit violent crimes against Texans “must not be allowed to flee across the Rio Grande,” urging Mexico to refuse to serve as a “sanctuary and place of refuge” for those accused of murdering Texans.
To be eligible for the cash reward, tipsters must submit information through Texas Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-252-TIPS or by submitting online.
