USA (Commonwealth Union)_ A horrifying crime in Dallas has left communities in shock after an Indian-origin motel manager was brutally murdered in broad daylight. Chandra Nagamallaiah, 50, originally from Karnataka, India, was reportedly attacked and beheaded by an employee following a workplace dispute. The incident occurred at the Downtown Suites motel on Samuell Boulevard, where Nagamallaiah had been working as a manager for the past five years.
Also read: Meet new CFO Srinivas Phatak: Unilever strengthens Indian presence on board!
Brutal murder in Dallas
Authorities say the attack happened after Nagamallaiah told a staff member not to use a broken washing machine. The employee, 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, a Cuban national, allegedly became agitated after the instruction was translated through another worker instead of being delivered directly to him. Cobos-Martinez reportedly left and returned with a machete, stabbing Nagamallaiah multiple times in the parking lot. Despite trying to escape toward the front office, Nagamallaiah was chased and ultimately beheaded in front of his wife and 18-year-old son, who were also working at the motel. Witnesses say they attempted to intervene but were pushed aside by the attacker. Footage from the scene, which has since gone viral, shows the suspect carrying the severed head to a dumpster before being arrested by police. He was found covered in blood and still holding the machete.
Also read: How a British-Bangladeshi Designer Made Apple’s Sleekest iPhone Yet
International outrage and condolences
The Indian Consulate in Houston expressed its condolences and is providing support to the family. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Mr. Chandra Nagamallaiah, who was brutally killed in Dallas. We are in touch with the family and local authorities and are offering all possible assistance,” the Consulate said in a statement. The incident has sparked global outrage, especially among the Indian diaspora in the US. Many have raised concerns about the safety of immigrants working in the hospitality sector and called for better protection measures. The US Department of Homeland Security also weighed in, saying the murder could have been prevented if immigration laws were properly enforced.
Also read: Jaismine Lamboria’s Journey from Bhiwani to World Champion
Who is Chandra Nagamallaiah?
Chandra Nagamallaiah, known to friends and colleagues as “Bob,” moved to the US in 2018. Originally from Bengaluru, he was a graduate of Indiranagar Cambridge School and National College in Basavanagudi. He first lived in San Antonio before settling in Dallas with his family. He is survived by his wife, Nisha, and their son, Gaurav, who recently completed high school and plans to pursue hospitality studies, inspired by his father’s work. A community-led fundraiser to support the family has already raised over ₹3 crore (around $360,000). Nagamallaiah’s funeral took place in Flower Mound, Texas.
Suspect’s criminal history
Cobos-Martinez, 37, is currently being held without bond on a capital murder charge. Records show a disturbing criminal past. He had previously been arrested in California, Florida, and Houston for crimes including auto theft, assault, and indecency with a child. In a 2017 case in South Lake Tahoe, he was arrested after allegedly carjacking a woman. He was convicted in 2023 and sentenced to 18 months in prison. Despite multiple convictions, he remained in the US as immigration authorities faced challenges deporting him due to diplomatic issues with Cuba.
Trump calls for tougher immigration policies
President Donald Trump responded to the killing in a post on Truth Social, calling it a “shocking and preventable tragedy.” He blamed current immigration policies for allowing Cobos-Martinez to stay in the country. “This brutal murder should never have happened,” Trump wrote. “We will no longer tolerate soft policies on illegal immigrant criminals. This killer will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Trump also vowed to make national security and immigration enforcement key issues in his campaign moving forward.
