Indian-Origin Motel Manager Brutally Beheaded in Dallas After Washing Machine Dispute; Co-Worker Arrested
Dallas, Texas – A shocking and brutal act of violence has shaken the Dallas community and the Indian diaspora, as a 50-year-old Indian-origin motel manager was beheaded by a co-worker following a dispute over a broken washing machine. The horrific incident occurred on Wednesday morning, September 10, 2025, at the Downtown Suites motel in East Dallas, in front of the victim’s wife and son.
A Dispute Turns Deadly
Chandra Nagamallaiah, originally from Karnataka, India, was managing the Downtown Suites motel when the fatal altercation took place. According to an arrest affidavit and witness accounts, the conflict began when Nagamallaiah approached his co-worker, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, and another employee who were cleaning a room. Nagamallaiah instructed them not to use a washing machine that was reportedly broken. The situation escalated when Nagamallaiah asked the other employee to translate his instructions to Cobos-Martinez, rather than speaking directly to him. This perceived slight reportedly enraged Cobos-Martinez.
Grisly Attack Captured on Video
Surveillance footage and witness statements detail a terrifying sequence of events. After the initial argument, Cobos-Martinez, 37, allegedly left the room, retrieved a machete, and launched a frenzied assault on Nagamallaiah. The victim attempted to flee towards the motel office, where his wife and 18-year-old son were present. Despite their desperate attempts to intervene and shield Nagamallaiah, Cobos-Martinez pushed them aside and continued the savage attack, ultimately decapitating the victim. The harrowing footage reportedly shows Cobos-Martinez kicking the victim’s severed head into the parking lot before picking it up and discarding it in a dumpster. Dallas Fire-Rescue personnel, arriving at the scene, witnessed Cobos-Martinez still carrying the machete and covered in blood, and followed him until police arrived to take him into custody.
Victim and Perpetrator Profile
Chandra Nagamallaiah, known to friends and family as Bob, was described as a devoted husband, loving father, and a kind soul who touched the lives of many. His tragic death has left his family and the local Indian community in deep mourning. A fundraiser has since been launched to support his wife and son, covering funeral expenses and daily needs, including the son’s college education.
Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, the accused, is a Cuban national with a documented history of violence. Court records indicate prior arrests for auto theft, assault, and carjacking, including an incident in California where he allegedly attempted to carjack a woman while naked. Significantly, Cobos-Martinez had been released from ICE custody earlier in 2025 due to a lack of available deportation flights to Cuba, despite having an immigration hold and a criminal record. Immigration officials have since stated that he should not have been in the United States at the time of the incident, a sentiment echoed by some who feel the system failed to prevent this tragedy.
Legal Ramifications and Official Response
Cobos-Martinez has been charged with capital murder and is being held without bond at the Dallas County Jail. The Consulate General of India in Houston has expressed deep condolences over Nagamallaiah’s death, confirming they are in touch with the family and providing all possible assistance. They are closely monitoring the ongoing investigation, which is being conducted by the Dallas Police Department.
This news from Texas has sent shockwaves through the community, raising serious questions about workplace safety, the resolution of minor disputes, and the effectiveness of immigration enforcement protocols. As the legal proceedings against Cobos-Martinez begin, the focus remains on the senseless loss of life and the profound grief experienced by Nagamallaiah’s family and friends.
This featured story is currently trending as authorities delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding this brutal crime and the background of the suspect. The news underscores the critical need for conflict resolution and empathy in all societal interactions.
