Family Witnesses Unimaginable Tragedy
Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, a 50-year-old Indian-origin motel manager, was brutally killed by an employee in front of his wife and teenage son. The horrific attack took place in the morning of 10 September at the ‘Downtown Suites’ motel in Dallas, Texas.
Surveillance cameras captured Nagamallaiah’s co-worker, identified as 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, retrieving a machete before chasing the victim through motel corridors.
Despite Nagamallaiah’s wife and 18-year-old son’s attempts at shielding him, Cobos-Martinez continued the assault until the victim was beheaded.
Dispute Escalates into Deadly Violence
Police reports stated that the incident commenced following an argument over a broken washing machine. Nagamallaiah had instructed employees to refrain from using the machine, requesting another worker to help him translate the message to Cobos-Martinez.
The accused then became furious at Nagamallaiah for not personally relaying the message to him, as per investigators.
Witnesses recalled the terrifying chase, describing how Nagamallaiah ran toward the motel office where his family was present. The suspect forced his way forward, carrying out the attack in front of them. Disturbing footage later showed Cobos-Martinez discarding the victim’s severed head into a dumpster.
Arrest, Charges and Further Insights
Cobos-Martinez walked away covered in blood while holding the murder weapon, Dallas Fire-Rescue personnel witnessed. Police arrested the suspect shortly afterward, upon being alerted by the Fire-Rescue personnel at the scene.
Authorities charged Cobos-Martinez, a Cuban national with a criminal history that included assault and theft, with capital murder. Currently being held without bond, he could face life imprisonment without parole or face the even death penalty if convicted.
The family of Yordanis Cobos-Martinez said he had struggled with mental illness for years and pleaded unsuccessfully for Cuba to take him back for treatment. His mother recounted that after serving time in California and living homeless in a park for two years, “he lost his mind.”
Community in Mourning
Nagamallaiah, originally from Karnataka, India, had lived in the United States since 2018, first in San Antonio before moving to Dallas. He was affectionately known as “Bob” among friends and colleagues.
He is survived by his wife, Nisha, and their son, Gaurav, who had recently graduated from high school and was preparing to begin college.
Friends described him as “a kind soul who touched the lives of everyone he knew.”
“This unimaginable tragedy was not only sudden but deeply traumatic,” a friend 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.”
Diplomatic and Community Response
The Consulate General of India in Houston expressed condolences and confirmed it is in touch with the family.
“We are offering all possible assistance. The accused is in the custody of Dallas Police,” the consulate posted on X.
A fundraiser has been launched to help the family cover funeral expenses, immediate living costs, and Gaurav’s college education. 382,526 USD has been raised so far.
Funeral services for Nagamallaiah were held last week at a funeral home in Flower Mound, Texas, where the local Indian community gathered to grieve and support his loved ones.
A Family’s Loss Felt Worldwide
The U.S. and Indian communities across the globe are appalled at the murder as attention is now drawn towards workplace violence and the trauma inflcited upon immigrant families building new lives overseas.
For Nagamallaiah’s family, the memories of that morning remain a lasting wound.
Watch a video here, VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED:
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Journalist Murdered After Filming Armed Gang Attack in Busy City Intersection
Cheras Mall Shooting Incident: One of the Victims Was Allegedly Wanted for Murder
Liverpool Parade Crash: Suspect Held for Attempted Murder After Car Rams Crowd
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
If you can, please do consider buying a mug or two to support Wake Up Singapore’s work!
