Dallas Motel Murder: Indian Manager Beheaded After Dispute
A 50-year-old Indian national, Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, who managed a motel in Dallas, Texas, was brutally killed in a shocking incident on Wednesday morning.
Police said the attack followed an argument with a co-worker, Cobos-Martinez, over a faulty washing machine at the Downtown Suites motel where both were employed.According to investigators, tensions rose after Nagamallaiah instructed colleagues not to use the malfunctioning machine. When he asked another staff member to translate his warning instead of speaking directly to Cobos-Martinez, the suspect reportedly grew enraged.
Surveillance footage revealed that Cobos-Martinez left the area, returned with a machete, and chased Nagamallaiah. The victim attempted to flee toward the motel office, where his wife and 18-year-old son were present, but the suspect pursued and fatally attacked him in their presence.
Authorities confirmed that Cobos-Martinez, who has a prior criminal record involving auto theft and assault in Houston, was arrested. He remains in custody without bond and could face life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty if convicted.
Friends and relatives described Nagamallaiah—fondly known as Bob—as a devoted husband and father. “This unimaginable tragedy was not only sudden but deeply traumatic,” they said. “The brutal attack, carried out in front of his family, has left our community in shock.”
