Indian-Origin Motel Manager Beheaded in Texas; Co-Worker Arrested
Chandra Mouli Nagamallaiah, a 50-year-old Indian-origin motel manager, was beheaded in Dallas, Texas, allegedly by a co-worker following a dispute over a broken washing machine. The attack, carried out with a machete, occurred in front of the victim's wife and son. The Dallas Police have arrested the suspect, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, 37, and charged him with capital murder. The Consulate General of India in Houston is in touch with the family and providing assistance.
Unpacked:
The attack was allegedly triggered by an argument over a broken washing machine and communication issues. The suspect, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, was upset that Nagamallaiah had a witness translate instructions instead of speaking directly to him, which escalated into violence.
Cobos-Martinez is a Cuban national with prior arrests for auto theft in Florida, indecency with a child and assault in Houston, and a carjacking conviction in California. His immigration status is currently on hold, and he was released from ICE custody earlier in 2025 despite a removal order.
The Consulate General of India in Houston is in contact with Nagamallaiah’s family and providing assistance. Dallas Police have arrested Cobos-Martinez and charged him with capital murder, and local authorities are continuing their investigation.
No reports have surfaced of prior workplace violence at the Downtown Suites motel or previous violent interactions specifically between Nagamallaiah and Cobos-Martinez. However, the suspect has a documented history of violent offenses elsewhere.