Dallas, September 16, 2025
News Summary
A shocking murder has occurred in Dallas where a 50-year-old man was beheaded outside a motel. The suspect, a 37-year-old co-worker, has been charged with capital murder. The victim’s family has publicly shared their grief and started a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $350,000 to support their needs. The violent attack followed a confrontation over a broken washing machine, escalating into a lethal confrontation witnessed by family members and motel employees.
Dallas — A 50-year-old man was murdered and beheaded outside a motel in Dallas last week, and authorities have charged a 37-year-old co-worker with capital murder, marking the first time the victim’s family has spoken publicly since the killing.
Key facts
Police arrested Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, 37, and charged him with capital murder following a violent confrontation that escalated outside the Downtown Suites motel. The victim, identified as Chandra Nagamallaiah, 50, died from multiple wounds in an attack that was captured on video and witnessed by family members and motel employees. The family has launched a fundraiser that has raised over $350,000 to support immediate needs.
What happened
Details of the attack
According to investigators, the incident began after Nagamallaiah instructed Cobos-Martinez and another employee not to use a broken washing machine. The situation intensified when Nagamallaiah asked a female coworker to translate for him, which allegedly angered Cobos-Martinez. Surveillance video reviewed by police reportedly shows Cobos-Martinez attacking Nagamallaiah with a machete as Nagamallaiah ran toward the motel office to reach his wife and son.
Aftermath at the scene
Witnesses reported that despite pleas for help from family members, the assailant continued the assault. After the killing, authorities say Cobos-Martinez kicked the victim’s decapitated head into the parking lot and later disposed of it in a nearby dumpster. He was seen leaving the scene in clothing stained with blood and was in possession of the victim’s phone and key card when he fled, according to officials.
Suspect and legal status
Cobos-Martinez has been booked on a capital murder charge and is being held at the Dallas County Jail without bond. Officials report an immigration hold is in place at the jail. Public records indicate a criminal history that includes arrests for auto theft and prior charges involving indecency with a child and assault. Authorities have identified video evidence and witness statements as core elements of the case against him.
Victim background and family response
Nagamallaiah was born and raised in Bangalore, India, and developed a strong work ethic from a young age. He began his career running a small retail store selling baby and children’s supplies, later operating two restaurants. Encouraged by his sister, he moved to the United States in 2020 with hopes of building a lasting career in hospitality. He worked at a motel in San Antonio before relocating to Dallas in 2021 to work at the Downtown Suites motel.
Family members, speaking publicly for the first time since the killing, described Nagamallaiah as a cherished relative who enjoyed nature walks and spending time with children and extended family. They emphasized his kindness and the positive impact he had on others and said they want to remember him for his life and aspirations rather than the violent way he died. The family also expressed the emotional difficulty of learning to live with the emptiness left by his passing and noted his hopes that his son, named Gaurav, might follow him into the hospitality business.
Public reaction and financial support
A GoFundMe campaign set up to help cover the family’s needs and funeral expenses has raised over $350,000. The large response has been cited by the family as critical to covering immediate costs and supporting relatives who have traveled to Dallas. The case has also drawn national attention; a former U.S. president commented on the incident in the context of immigration policy and called for strict enforcement, referencing the suspect’s reported Cuban nationality and urging full prosecution.
Next steps and context
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the killing, relying on video evidence, witness statements and forensic work. The suspect remains in custody as prosecutors prepare potential charges and court proceedings. The family has asked for privacy as they grieve and has expressed a desire that Nagamallaiah be remembered for his contributions to family and community rather than the brutality of his death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the victim?
The victim was identified as 50-year-old Chandra Nagamallaiah, originally from Bangalore, India, who had worked in the hospitality industry in Texas since 2020.
Who is the suspect and what are the charges?
The suspect is 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martinez. He has been charged with capital murder and is being held without bond with an immigration hold at the Dallas County Jail.
What led to the attack?
Police say the confrontation began after Nagamallaiah told employees not to use a broken washing machine and later asked a coworker to translate, which allegedly triggered the suspect’s violent reaction.
What evidence is being used in the case?
Investigators cite surveillance video showing the attack, witness statements and physical evidence from the scene as part of the case against the suspect.
How has the family been supported?
A public fundraiser has been created for the family and has raised more than $350,000 to assist with expenses and support relatives affected by the tragedy.
Is there a broader political response?
The case prompted commentary from a national political figure who linked the incident to immigration policy and called for prosecution and stricter enforcement.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Chandra Nagamallaiah, 50 |
| Suspect | Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, 37 |
| Charge | Capital murder |
| Location | Downtown Suites motel, Dallas |
| Key evidence | Surveillance video and witness statements |
| Funds raised | More than $350,000 via a public fundraiser |
| Custody status | Held without bond with immigration hold at Dallas County Jail |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WFAA News
- CBS News
- BBC News
- Detroit Free Press
- NDTV News
- Wikipedia: Beheading
- Google Search: Dallas motel beheading
- Google Scholar: Dallas motel beheading
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas motel beheading
- Google News: Dallas motel beheading
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
