Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday formally demanded that Mexico extradite Reynaldo Mata-Rios, the suspect in the killing of Texas Facilities Commissioner Eddy Betancourt.
Authorities believe Mata-Rios fled into Mexico following Betancourt’s murder on December 27.
Abbott addressed his request to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, calling on the Mexican government to cooperate with U.S. authorities.
“Cecilia and I are deeply saddened by the senseless murder of Commissioner Eddy Betancourt, whose life was tragically taken on Saturday,” said Abbott. “Betancourt was a patriot who served as Texas Facilities Commissioner with integrity and professionalism.”
Abbott also cited an 1870s-era statement from former Texas Gov. Richard Coke regarding fugitives who flee “across the Rio Grande” to “taunt and defy the citizens of Texas.”
“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,” Abbott stated.
In the statement, Abbott referenced former Gov. Richard Coke’s description of Mexico as a “friendly power” and said the Mexican government must refuse to serve as “a sanctuary and place of refuge” for those accused of murdering Texans, ensuring Mata-Rios “go through due process and face the consequences” of his alleged actions.
Mata-Rios, 60, is 6 feet tall, weighs 195 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. His last known address was in Pharr, Texas, as The Dallas Express reported.
The governor’s office released the statement on January 2 from Austin. No additional details about the circumstances of Betancourt’s death were provided in the announcement.