In a gruesome incident, a 50-year-old Indian-origin motel manager was beheaded in front of his wife and son in Texas. Police identified the victim as Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, originally from Karnataka.
The incident happened on Wednesday at the Downtown Suites motel in Dallas, following a dispute over a washing machine with the accused, who is also a co-worker.
The suspect, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, has been arrested and charged with capital murder. Police said he has a criminal record.
According to the police, Nagamallaiah and Cobos-Martinez had an altercation over the washing machine. Nagamallaiah asked another person to translate his instructions instead of addressing him directly, which enraged Cobos-Martinez. A CCTV footage showed Cobos-Martinez retrieving a machete and attacking Nagamallaiah, according to reports.
The victim fled toward the motel office where his wife and 18-year-old son were present, but the suspect pursued him, carrying out the assault despite their attempts to intervene, according to the PTI.
Cobos-Martinez, 37, has a prior criminal history in Houston, including arrests for auto theft and assault.
People paid tribute to Nagamallaiah, who they remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, and kind soul who touched the lives of everyone he knew. This unimaginable tragedy was not only sudden but deeply traumatic, friends said.
“Bob's life was taken in a brutal attack that occurred in front of his wife and son, who bravely tried to protect him. The shocking nature of this event has shaken our community. Friends, family, and the local Indian community are coming together to support his family,” his friends added.
A fundraiser has been set up to help cover funeral expenses, immediate living costs, and his son's college education. Funeral services for Nagamallaiah are scheduled for Saturday.
