(Image source from: english.mathrubhumi.com)
An Indian individual from Karnataka was viciously killed by a Cuban immigrant at a motel in Dallas, Texas. Fifty-year-old Chandra Nagamallaiah, who oversaw the Downtown Suites motel located on Samuell Boulevard, east of the city center, was attacked multiple times with a machete by 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, who has a history of violence and had just been released from jail. In footage from security cameras that has spread widely, Cobos-Martinez can be seen pursuing Nagamallaiah with a machete in the motel hallway. The screams of Nagamallaiah caught the attention of his wife and 18-year-old son, who attempted to help several times, but Cobos-Martinez pushed them aside and kept attacking. At one point, Nagamallaiah's son, dressed in a yellow shirt, fetches a baseball bat. However, by that moment, it appears that his father has become unresponsive. Cobos-Martinez then removes something from Nagamallaiah's pockets before continuing the brutal assault. Soon after, the victim's decapitated head rolls away. When Nagamallaiah's wife, crying loudly, attempts again to stop Cobos-Martinez, he is seen approaching her threateningly. At this moment, Nagamallaiah's son pulls his mother away from the horrifying scene. Another camera angle shows the attacker kicking the severed head like a soccer ball, walking over to it, picking it up, and throwing it in a dumpster.
Cobos-Martinez, who has a criminal background in Houston, including charges for car theft and assault, has been apprehended and is being held without bail. If found guilty, he may face life in prison without the chance of parole or even the death penalty. An arrest report released by police on Thursday indicated that Cobos-Martinez got into a dispute with the victim on Wednesday morning. A witness informed the police that while she was cleaning a room with Cobos-Martinez, Nagamallaiah approached and asked them not to use the washing machine since it was broken. The witness claimed that Cobos-Martinez got angry with Nagamallaiah for having her “translate the communication instead of speaking to [Cobos-Martinez] directly.” He then pulled out a machete and started chasing Nagamallaiah. Another witness told CBS Texas that the accused man chased the victim “from room 108 all the way to the office. The man was trying to get into the office to tell his family.”
Authorities reported that after decapitating Nagamallaiah, "the suspect then kicked his head twice into the parking area, picked it up, and placed it into the trash." As Cobos-Martinez left the location, a Dallas Fire-Rescue vehicle arrived, and the crew noticed Cobos-Martinez still holding the machete and covered in blood. The fire unit followed him until the police could arrest him. The Consulate General of India in Houston expressed sorrow over Nagamallaiah's death and stated they were closely monitoring the situation. "We are in contact with the family and providing all possible help. The suspect is in the custody of Dallas Police," they mentioned in a message on X. Known as Bob by his friends and family, Nagamallaiah was celebrated as a caring spouse, dedicated father, and gentle person who impacted everyone around him. “This unimaginable loss was not only sudden but also profoundly distressing,” friends noted.
“Bob’s life was ended in a violent incident that happened in front of his wife and son, who courageously attempted to defend him. The shocking nature of this event has deeply affected our community.” Friends, family, and the local Indian community are uniting to support his family. A fundraising effort has been started to help with funeral costs, immediate living expenses, and his son’s college tuition. Nagamallaiah’s funeral service is scheduled for Saturday.
