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An Indian-origin motel manager was beheaded by a co-worker in Dallas after an argument, in front of the victim’s wife and son. Here’s how the event unfolded.
The victim (L)/ the accused seen walking after dumping the severed head (R) (Social Media/Video screengrab)
Fifty-year-old Chandra Nagamallaiah, who was beheaded by 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, was chased all the way to the office where they both worked. The Indian-origin motel manager was then attacked by a machete in front of his wife and 18-year-old son, who were there at the office.
According to an arrest affidavit released hours after the incident unfolded in Texas, the United States, on Wednesday morning, the two were involved in an argument.
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Both men worked at the Downtown Suites motel on Samuell Boulevard, east of Downtown.
INDIAN-ORIGIN MAN BEHEADED IN FRONT OF FAMILY
A witness, who also works as an employee at the office, told the police that she was cleaning a room with Cobos-Martinez when Chandra Mouli ‘Bob’ Nagamallaiah came to tell them not to use a washing machine that was broken.
Cobos-Martinez reportedly became enraged when Nagamallaiah asked another person to translate his instructions instead of addressing him directly.
Videos captured on CCTV cameras in the vicinity then showed Cobos-Martinez leave the room, pull out a machete and start attacking Nagamallaiah.
Soon after, the victim ran screaming, still under attack, toward the motel office where his wife and son were located.
“He chased him from 108 all the way to the office. The man was trying to get into the office to tell his family,” a witness told CBS News.
Nagamallaiah’s wife and son were pushed away by Cobos-Martinez, as they both tried to intervene.
Cobos-Martinez then took Nagamallaiah’s cell phone and key card from his pockets before again resuming the attack until Nagamallaiah’s head “was removed from his body,” the police were quoted as saying in the affidavit.
“The suspect then kicked the severed head twice into the parking lot and proceeded to pick it up and carry it to the dumpster and put it inside,” it mentioned.
ACCUSED TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
As a Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR) truck arrived at the scene, Cobos-Martinez was still seen carrying the machete and covered in blood. The accused was then followed and taken into custody.
The witness also told CBS News that the wife of the victim was screaming, hollering but was requested by the witness to get back, as they had no clue what the attacker was going to do.
Police said Cobos-Martinez admitted to the crime in an interview with a detective, as per the affidavit, adding that he was being held in the Dallas County Jail on a capital murder charge.
THE ACCUSED IS A HISTORY-SHEETER
Records showed Cobos-Martinez had twice been arrested for auto theft in Florida, for indecency with a child, and for assault charges in Houston.
If convicted, he could face life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.
Known as Bob to friends and family, Nagamallaiah originally hailed from Karnataka and was remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, and kind soul who touched the lives of everyone he knew, news agency PTI reported.
“This unimaginable tragedy was not only sudden but deeply traumatic,” his friends were quoted as saying.
“Bob’s life was taken in a brutal attack that occurred in front of his wife and son, who bravely tried to protect him. The shocking nature of this event has shaken our community,” they added.
Meanwhile, friends, family, and the local Indian community were coming together to support the affected family.
A fundraiser had been set up to help cover funeral expenses, immediate living costs, and his son’s college education.
About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
September 12, 2025, 11:34 IST
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