CCTV footage shows the accused repeatedly stabbing and slashing Nagamallaiah inside the motel premises, even as the victim attempted to escape and his wife and son tried to intervene.
Published Sep 12, 2025 | 5:46 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 12, 2025 | 5:46 PM
Chandra Mouli Nagamalliah
Synopsis: An Indian national working as a motel manager in Texas, US was hacked to death at his workplace on Wednesday, by a co-worker. The victim, Chandra Mouli Nagamalliah, 50, reportedly from Karnataka, was attacked with a machete following a workplace dispute, according to local media reports. The Consulate General of India in Houston has expressed condolences, confirmed it is extending assistance to the family.
A 50-year-old Indian national working as a motel manager in the United States was hacked to death at his workplace in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, September 12. The victim has been identified as Chandra Mouli Nagamalliah, reportedly from Karnataka.
The incident came to light on Friday morning after CCTV footage of the assault went viral on social media. The accused, identified as Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, is an undocumented immigrant from Cuba who reportedly worked at the same motel, according to local US media reports.
The Indian Consulate in Houston expressed condolences and said it is extending assistance to the family.
“Consulate General of India, Houston, condoles the tragic death of Chandra Nagamallaiah, an Indian National, killed brutally at his workplace in Dallas, Tx,” it said in a post on X.
“We are in touch with the family and offering all possible assistance. The accused is in the custody of Dallas Police. We are following up on the matter closely.”
Consulate General of India, Houston, condoles the tragic death of Mr. Chandra Nagamallaiah, an Indian National, killed brutally at his workplace in Dallas, Tx.
We are in touch with the family and offering all possible assistance. The accused is in the custody of Dallas Police.…
— India in Houston (@cgihou) September 11, 2025
The accused, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, 37, allegedly used a machete to attack Nagamallaiah following a dispute over the use of a broken washing machine at the motel, NBC News reported, citing court documents.
CCTV footage shows the accused repeatedly stabbing and slashing Nagamallaiah inside the motel premises, even as the victim attempted to escape and his wife and son tried to intervene.
The footage further shows Cobos-Martinez continuing the assault until Nagamallaiah was decapitated, after which the head rolled into the parking lot. Cobos-Martinez then picked up the head and placed it in a dumpster as first responders arrived at the scene.
He reportedly fled soon after and was arrested a short distance away, covered in blood and carrying the machete, along with the victim’s key card and cellphone.
Jail records cited by NBC News reportedly list Cobos-Martinez as an undocumented immigrant from Cuba. He is being held without bond on an immigration detainer.
The US Department of Homeland Security said he had been under an order of removal but was released earlier this year after Cuba declined to accept him because of his criminal history.
Funeral services for Nagamallaiah are scheduled for Saturday. A fundraiser has been launched to support the family with funeral expenses, immediate living costs, and his son’s education.
“Yesterday, our dear friend Chandra Mouli ‘Bob’ Nagamallaiah tragically lost his life in a horrific act of violence at Downtown Suites in Dallas. Known as Bob to his friends and family, he was a loving husband, devoted father, and kind soul who touched the lives of everyone who knew him,” the fundraiser page reads.
“He leaves behind his wife, Nisha, and his 18-year-old son, Gaurav, who just graduated high school and is preparing to begin college this fall. Gaurav dreams of studying Hospitality Management, inspired by his father’s hard work and generosity.”
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
