Houston, Sep 11 (PTI) In a shocking incident in Texas, a 50-year-old Indian-origin motel manager was brutally beheaded in front of his wife and son following an argument over a washing machine. The police confirmed the arrest of the suspect, a coworker with a criminal history, who has been charged with capital murder.
The gruesome event occurred on a Wednesday morning at the Downtown Suites motel in Dallas. The victim, Chandra Mouli "Bob" Nagamallaiah, originally from Karnataka, was killed following a heated dispute with his 37-year-old Cuban coworker, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, the Dallas Police Department reported.
According to the police, Cobos-Martinez flew into a rage when Nagamallaiah directed another person to translate his instructions instead of speaking to him directly. The surveillance footage captured Cobos-Martinez attacking Nagamallaiah with a machete.
Though the victim attempted to escape toward the motel office, where his wife and 18-year-old son were present, they could not save him. Despite their attempts to intervene, Cobos-Martinez pushed them away and continued his savage attack, ultimately decapitating Nagamallaiah, police stated in a court affidavit.
The harrowing details continued as the affidavit described how Cobos-Martinez took the victim's cell phone and key card before resuming the attack. He even kicked Nagamallaiah's severed head into the parking lot, later depositing it in a dumpster. The police underscored the atrocity of the crime, labeling it "unthinkable."
Currently, Cobos-Martinez is being held without bond. He faces life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty if convicted. His criminal record includes multiple arrests for auto theft in Florida, as well as indecency with a child and assault charges in Houston. Immigration records also indicate a hold on his status.
ICE officials noted that Cobos-Martinez was released under supervision earlier this year due to a lack of deportation flights to Cuba.
The Consulate General of India in Houston expressed condolences over Nagamallaiah's death, stating they are closely monitoring the situation. "We are in touch with the family and offering all possible assistance. The accused is in the custody of Dallas Police," the consulate posted on X.
Consul General D C Manjunath reassured that the mission is providing full consular support to the victim's family. Fondly known as Bob, Nagamallaiah is remembered by friends and family as a loving husband, devoted father, and kind-hearted individual.
Friends described the tragedy as deeply traumatic, noting the violent and abrupt nature of Bob’s death and the trauma inflicted on his family, who witnessed the horrific event. Community groups, including SEWA International, have rallied to support Nagamallaiah’s family.
A fundraiser organized by his friend Tanmay Patel has already raised over USD 50,000, with contributions still coming in. Gitesh Desai, the president of SEWA's Dallas chapter, stated: “We are deeply saddened by this heinous crime. The entire community has been shocked, especially after seeing the gruesome CCTV footage circulating online. We are committed to supporting the family in every possible way.”
Funeral services for Nagamallaiah have been scheduled for Saturday.
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