A 50-year-old Indian-origin motel manager was brutally beheaded in front of his wife and son following a dispute over a washing machine at a Dallas motel, police said.
Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, originally from Karnataka, was killed on the morning of September 10, 2025, at the Downtown Suites motel after an altercation with his co-worker, 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martinez.
According to Dallas Police, Cobos-Martinez became enraged when Nagamallaiah asked someone else to relay instructions instead of addressing him directly. Surveillance footage showed Cobos-Martinez retrieving a machete and attacking Nagamallaiah, who fled toward the motel office. Despite attempts by his wife and 18-year-old son to intervene, the assault continued.
Cobos-Martinez, who has a criminal record including previous arrests for auto theft and assault, was arrested at the scene and charged with capital murder. He is being held without bond and could face life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.
The Consulate General of India in Houston expressed condolences and confirmed it is providing support to the family. “We are in touch with the family and offering all possible assistance,” the consulate said in a statement.
Nagamallaiah was remembered as a devoted husband and father. A fundraiser has been set up to assist with funeral expenses and support his son’s education. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday.
Also Read: Brazil’s Supreme Court Sentences Former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 Years for Coup Attempt
