{"id":2527336,"date":"2025-12-31T12:28:02","date_gmt":"2025-12-31T17:28:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/texas-official-appointed-by-greg-abbott-shot-and-killed-suspect-remains-at-large\/"},"modified":"2025-12-31T12:30:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-31T17:30:51","slug":"texas-official-appointed-by-greg-abbott-shot-and-killed-suspect-remains-at-large","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/texas-official-appointed-by-greg-abbott-shot-and-killed-suspect-remains-at-large\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas Official Appointed by Greg Abbott Shot and Killed &#8211; Suspect Remains at Large"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">28<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Ftexas-official-appointed-by-greg-abbott-shot-and-killed-suspect-remains-at-large%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2527336&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The fatal shooting of Texas businessman Eddy Betancourt on Dec. 27 in McAllen has left the Rio Grande Valley community shaken. Betancourt, 61, was a longtime construction industry leader who also served on the Hidalgo County Appraisal District board and was appointed to the Texas Facilities Commission by Gov.Greg Abbott in 2020. Authorities believe the killing was a targeted act and have issued a first-degree murder warrant for Reynaldo Mata-Rios, described as a roughly 60-year-old Hispanic male about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/armed-private-security-now-patrolling-portlands-downtown-after-city-slashes-police-funding\/\" title=\"Armed Private Security Now Patrolling Portland\u2019s Downtown After City Slashes Police Funding\">6 feet tall<\/a> and 195 pounds, last known to live in Pharr. Investigators say Mata-Rios reportedly told officials he planned to surrender but remains at large as police continue their search. Officials are asking the public for help and urge anyone with facts to contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at 956-687-TIPS (8477) or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/watch-suspect-posing-as-candy-vendor-sets-up-home-invasion-robbery\/\" title=\"WATCH: Suspect Posing as Candy Vendor Sets Up Home Invasion Robbery\">submit anonymous tips<\/a> via the P3 Tips app; information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<section> \t\t\t\t<script>console.log(\"ad slot (AC1)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC1)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC2)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC3)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC4)\")<\/script><\/p>\n<p>The fatal shooting of prominent Texas businessman Eddy Betancourt has sent shockwaves through the Rio Grande Valley, leaving a community grappling with loss and unanswered questions.<\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fox26houston.com\/news\/gov-abbott-appointee-eddy-betancourt-killed-mcallen-shooting-police-search-suspect\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">KRIV-TV<\/a>, Betancourt, a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >respected business leader<\/a> and a gubernatorial appointee to the Texas Facilities Commission, was killed on Dec. 27 in McAllen, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities believe it was a targeted act of violence.<\/p>\n<p>Police are now searching for Reynaldo Mata-Rios in connection with the shooting.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Police are searching for Reynaldo Mata-Rios in connection with the Dec. 27 shooting death of prominent businessman Eddy Betancourt. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/4QiDVF1zFh\">https:\/\/t.co\/4QiDVF1zFh<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; FOX26Houston (@FOX26Houston) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/FOX26Houston\/status\/2006153527408652479?\">December 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p> <script type=\"text\/javascript\"> \t\t\tif ( getCookie( \"ff_subbed\" ) ) { \t\t\t\tdocument.getElementById(\"stnvideo\").remove() \t\t\t} else { \t\t\t\tdocument.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function() { \t\t\t\t\tfunction loadScript(src) { \t\t\t\t\t\tconst script=document.createElement(\"script\"); \t\t\t\t\t\tscript.src=src; \t\t\t\t\t\tscript.async=true; \t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.body.appendChild(script); \t\t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\t\tfunction findPreviousParagraph(selector, x) { \t\t\t\t\t\tconst targetElement=document.querySelector(selector); \t\t\t\t\t\tif (!targetElement) { \t\t\t\t\t\t\tconsole.warn(\"Target element not found.\"); \t\t\t\t\t\t\treturn null; \t\t\t\t\t\t}  \t\t\t\t\t\t\/\/ Get all <\/p>\n<p> elements in order as they appear in the document \t\t\t\t\t\tlet paragraphs=Array.from(document.querySelectorAll(\"p\"));  \t\t\t\t\t\t\/\/ Find the index of the last <\/p>\n<p> before the target element \t\t\t\t\t\tlet targetIndex=paragraphs.findIndex(p=> p.compareDocumentPosition(targetElement) & Node.DOCUMENT_POSITION_PRECEDING);  \t\t\t\t\t\tif (targetIndex===-1 || targetIndex <x) { \t\t\t\t\t\t\tconsole.warn(\"Not enough paragraphs before the target element.\"); \t\t\t\t\t\t\treturn null; \t\t\t\t\t\t}  \t\t\t\t\t\treturn paragraphs[targetIndex - x]; \t\t\t\t\t}  \t\t\t\t\t\/\/ Set up IntersectionObserver \t\t\t\t\tfunction observeElement(element) { \t\t\t\t\t\tif (!element) return;  \t\t\t\t\t\tconst observer=new IntersectionObserver( \t\t\t\t\t\t\t(entries)=> { \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tentries.forEach(entry=> { \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tif (entry.isIntersecting) { \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tconsole.log(\"Paragraph is now visible:\", entry.target.textContent.trim()); \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloadScript(\"https:\/\/embed.sendtonews.com\/player3\/embedcode.js?fk=s28Az7AY\"); \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tobserver.disconnect(); \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}); \t\t\t\t\t\t\t}, \t\t\t\t\t\t\t{ threshold: 0.5 } \/\/ Adjust threshold as needed \t\t\t\t\t\t);  \t\t\t\t\t\tobserver.observe(element); \t\t\t\t\t}  \t\t\t\t\t\/\/ Find the 1st paragraph before #stnvideo and observe it \t\t\t\t\tlet paragraphToObserve=findPreviousParagraph(\"#stnvideo\", 2); \t\t\t\t\tobserveElement(paragraphToObserve); \t\t\t\t}); \t\t\t} \t\t<\/script> <\/p>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Although Mata-Rios reportedly told officials he planned to surrender to McAllen police, he has not done so and remains at large.<\/p>\n<p>He was last known to be living in Pharr, Texas, as investigators continue efforts to locate him and piece together the circumstances surrounding Betancourt&rsquo;s death.<\/p>\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expressnews.com\/news\/article\/texas-businessman-shot-dead-eddy-betancourt-abbott-21264946.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">San Antonio Express-News<\/a>, Betancourt, 61, was a longtime leader in the construction industry, serving as president of his company and building a reputation as a steady and influential figure in the region&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/breaking-president-trump-gives-pardons-to-73-individuals-and-commutes-another-70-sentences-steve-bannon-is-included\/\" title=\"BREAKING: President Trump Gives Pardons to 73 Individuals and Commutes Another 70 Sentences \u2013 Steve Bannon Is Included\">business community<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond his private sector work, he held a public role on the board of directors for the Hidalgo County Appraisal District, where he was involved in overseeing local property valuation and tax matters.<\/p>\n<p>He also served at the state level as a member of the Texas Facilities Commission, a body responsible for managing Texas government buildings and real estate, following his appointment by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in 2020.<\/p>\n<p>Betancourt&rsquo;s nomination via Abbott is noteworthy, because while the Texas governor is a Republican, Betancourt appeared to be more independent.<\/p>\n<p>The San Antonio Express-News reported, &ldquo;In 2018, he gave $6,000 in cash and $12,000 in in-kind donations to Democrat Richard Cortez, a former McAllen mayor who was waging a successful campaign for Hidalgo County judge.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>According to KRIV-TV, Mata-Rios is described by authorities as a 60-year-old Hispanic male, standing approximately 6 feet tall and weighing around 195 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes, according to police.<\/p>\n<p>Investigators say Mata-Rios was last known to be living in Pharr, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Law enforcement has not released additional details about his movements since the shooting, but continues to actively search for him in connection with the case. A warrant for murder, a first-degree felony, was issued on Sunday. Mata-Rios is still at large as of Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p>As the investigation continues, police are asking the public to remain vigilant and assist in locating Mata-Rios. Officials stress that community cooperation is critical as they work to bring clarity and accountability in the wake of Betancourt&rsquo;s killing.<\/p>\n<p>Anyone with information about Mata-Rios&rsquo;s whereabouts is urged to contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at 956-687-TIPS (8477). Authorities say even small details could prove significant to the investigation.<\/p>\n<p>Tips may also be submitted anonymously through the &ldquo;P3 Tips&rdquo; smartphone application. Information that leads to an arrest could be eligible for a cash reward, according to law enforcement.<\/p>\n<div style=\"position: relative;\">\n<div class=\"ff-fancy-header-container\"> \t\t\t \t<\/div>\n<div class=\"entry-submit-correction inner-content\">\n<div class=\"correction-form\">\n<form style=\"display: none;\">\n<div class=\"sc-name-field\"> \t\t\t\t\t\t<label>* Name<\/label> \t\t\t\t\t\t<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" name=\"name\" required> \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc--field\"> \t\t\t\t\t\t<label>* <\/label> \t\t\t\t\t\t<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" name=\"\" required> \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p> \t\t\t\t\t<label>* Message<\/label> \t\t\t\t\t<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t<textarea name=\"message\" required><\/textarea> \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"required-message\" style=\"display: none; padding-bottom: 15px;\">* All fields are required.<\/div>\n<p> \t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"submit\" value=\"Submit\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); firefly_sc();\"> \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"firefly-sc-confirm\" style=\"display: none;\">Success!<\/div>\n<\/p><\/form>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> \t\t<script> \t\t\tfunction firefly_sc() { \t\t\t\tif( typeof window.captchaPublicKey==typeof undefined ){ \t\t\t\t\tconsole.error('window.captchaPublicKey is not defined'); \t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\tgrecaptcha.execute( window.captchaPublicKey, { action: 'submit_correction' } ).then( function( token ) { \t\t\t\t\tvar opts={ \t\t\t\t\t\taction:    'firefly_sc_submit', \t\t\t\t\t\tname:      document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"name\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\t:     document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\tmessage:   document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"message\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\tpost_id:   firefly_post_id, \t\t\t\t\t\tcap_token: token \t\t\t\t\t}  \t\t\t\t\tvar inputs=[ 'name', '', 'message' ];  \t\t\t\t\tfor( var i=0; i <inputs.length; i++ ) if( ! 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