Rio Grande Valley Friends and Families of Murdered Children

Proudly Introduces the RIO PROJECT COLD CASE HOMICIDE DATABASE: A Regional Initiative to Spotlight Unsolved Murders and Amplify the Voices of Victims and Their Families

The Rio Grande Valley Families and Friends of Murdered Children (RGV-FFOMC) is honored to announce the launch of the Rio Project Cold Case Homicide Database—a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to centralize and bring public attention to unsolved homicide cases throughout the Rio Grande Valley. This comprehensive and publicly accessible database will be a powerful tool for elevating awareness, supporting grieving families, and encouraging renewed investigative efforts.

Phase I – County Coverage:
The initial rollout will include unsolved homicide cases submitted from the following four counties:
  • Hidalgo County
  • Cameron County
  • Starr County
  • Willacy County

Each entry will be verified and submitted by either:
  • Local law enforcement agencies, or
  • Surviving family members seeking to keep their loved one’s memory alive and case visible.
RGV-FFOMC plans to expand the database to include additional counties across the region as resources allow.

Why This Matters:
Keeping a homicide victim’s case in the public eye not only honors their memory but also increases the likelihood of generating new leads, witnesses, or information that may help bring justice—visibility matters. Awareness saves cases.

How to Submit a Case:
Families or law enforcement agencies wishing to submit an unsolved homicide case for inclusion may do so by completing the official Case Summary -
Cold Case Submission - Google Forms

Submission Form
. Submission does not guarantee immediate inclusion; all entries are subject to verification and review.

⚠️ Please Note:

Rio Project Cold Case is not a private investigative service. This initiative is strictly for public awareness and advocacy purposes. All investigative matters remain under the jurisdiction of the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

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1 cases found.
CCR: Unknown
Date Reported: November 5, 2008
VICTIM DETAILS
Name Rudy Ramos Benitez
Age 27
Gender Male
Race Hispanic/Latino
SUSPECT DETAILS
Name 2 Unknown
Offense Missing Person (Presumed Murdered)
Cause Unknown
Location 2 Unknown
CASE DETAILS
Status Unsolved
Incident location 2505 South Georgia
Weslaco Texas, 78596
Hidalgo County
L.E.A Weslaco Police Department

Cold Case Spotlight

Mr. Benitez is traveling in a green Dodge Ram pickup truck. Rudy is 5'3 - 5'6, 120 - 150 pounds at the time of missing he was wearing a black polo shirt with horizontal purple stripes, blue jeans, and sneakers. He has Brown hair, green/hazel eyes. Benitez has the following tattoos: the name "Angie" or "Angel" on his left bicep, his last name "Benitez" across his abdomen, and the name "Virginia" or "Kina" on the left side of his chest over his heart. His nickname is Woodeye. Benitez bites his nails, and they are very short as a result. Mr. Benitez Sr. waited seven years, to petition and officially pronounced his death. His father Rudy Sr. was a great advocate for his son, and we will continue his legacy and will fight for justice and seek answers for Rudy. The family wants to know what happened to Rudy and where is his body for the sake of his surviving children, mother, and family members.