Houston, Sep 12 (PTI) A tragic incident unfolded in Texas as a 50-year-old Indian-origin motel manager was brutally beheaded in front of his wife and son following a dispute over a washing machine, police reported. The perpetrator, a coworker with a criminal history, has been taken into custody and faces capital murder charges.
The ordeal occurred on a Wednesday morning at the Downtown Suites motel located in Dallas. The victim, Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, hailed from Karnataka and met his end after a disagreement regarding a broken washing machine with his coworker, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, according to the Dallas Police Department.
It is said that Cobos-Martinez, 37, became infuriated when Nagamallaiah asked for someone else to translate his instructions rather than speaking directly to him. Surveillance cameras captured Cobos-Martinez grabbing a machete and launching an attack on Nagamallaiah.
The victim attempted to flee to the motel office where his wife and 18-year-old son were present, but the suspect chased him down, carrying out the grisly assault despite their desperate efforts to intervene. Cobos-Martinez, who has a past criminal record in Houston, including arrests for auto theft and assault, is currently being held without bond.
If found guilty, he could be sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or even face the death penalty. The Consulate General of India in Houston expressed condolences for Nagamallaiah's tragic passing and mentioned that they are closely monitoring the situation.
"We are maintaining contact with the family and providing all possible support. The accused is in Dallas Police custody," the Consulate stated on social media platform X. Known as Bob among loved ones, Nagamallaiah was cherished as a loving husband, devoted father, and a kind individual who positively impacted everyone he met. "This devastating tragedy was not only unexpected but deeply traumatic," remarked friends.
"Bob's life was cruelly taken in a brutal attack witnessed by his wife and son, who courageously attempted to protect him. The shocking nature of this event has deeply unsettled our community." The family, friends, and local Indian community are rallying to offer support to those he left behind. A fundraising effort has been initiated to assist with funeral costs, immediate living expenses, and his son's college tuition. Funeral arrangements for Nagamallaiah are set for Saturday.
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