Dallas, Texas: In a shocking and brutal incident, a 50-year-old Indian man from Karnataka was beheaded at a Dallas motel by a Cuban immigrant with a violent past.
The victim, Chandra Nagamallaiah, known as “Bob” to friends, was the manager of Downtown Suites Motel on Samuell Boulevard, east of Downtown Dallas. On Wednesday morning, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez (37) launched a frenzied machete attack on Nagamallaiah after an argument over a broken washing machine.
CCTV Footage Shows Gruesome Attack
Disturbing CCTV footage circulating online shows Cobos-Martinez chasing Nagamallaiah through the motel corridor with a machete. The victim’s wife and 18-year-old son tried to intervene several times but were overpowered. At one point, Nagamallaiah’s son brought a baseball bat, but his father was already gravely injured.
Cobos-Martinez then took items from the victim’s pockets before continuing the assault. Footage shows Nagamallaiah’s severed head rolling on the floor as the attacker kicked it twice, picked it up, and carried it to a dumpster.
Police Arrest & Investigation
Police said Cobos-Martinez, who has a criminal history in Houston including charges of auto theft and assault, was arrested shortly after the attack. Dallas Fire-Rescue personnel witnessed him walking away from the motel, still holding the blood-covered machete. He is currently being held without bond and could face life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty if convicted.
An arrest affidavit revealed that the conflict began after Nagamallaiah told Cobos-Martinez not to use a broken washing machine. A witness told police that Cobos-Martinez became enraged after Nagamallaiah asked her to translate the conversation rather than speak directly with him.
Community in Mourning
The Consulate General of India in Houston expressed condolences and confirmed they are in touch with the victim’s family.
“Bob was a loving husband, devoted father, and a kind soul who touched many lives,” said friends of the family. A fundraiser has been launched to cover funeral expenses, living costs, and Nagamallaiah’s son’s college education. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday.
This horrific killing has left the Dallas Indian community shocked and grieving.