Dallas, September 13, 2025
News Summary
A 37-year-old man has been charged with capital murder after allegedly beheading a motel manager during a dispute at a downtown Dallas motel. The victim, Chandra Moul Nagamallaiah, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the suspect, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, was arrested covered in blood and holding the weapon. The violent incident has drawn significant attention from the community and raised concerns over immigration enforcement, as Cobos-Martinez is an undocumented immigrant with a prior criminal history.
Dallas — A 37-year-old man has been charged with capital murder after police say he allegedly beheaded a motel manager during a workplace dispute at a downtown Dallas motel on September 10, 2025. The victim, identified as 50-year-old Chandra Moul Nagamallaiah, was pronounced dead at the scene when officers arrived, and the suspect was taken into custody covered in blood and still holding the suspected weapon.
Key facts
The suspect, identified as Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, has been charged with capital murder in connection with the killing at the Downtown Suites Motel. Police say the attack began during a dispute over the use of a broken washing machine after Nagamallaiah instructed Cobos-Martinez not to use it. Investigators report that Cobos-Martinez became upset that the manager communicated through a translator, retrieved a machete, and attacked.
According to the police account, the victim attempted to flee toward the motel office, where his wife and son were located. Cobos-Martinez allegedly chased the victim, pushed aside family members who tried to intervene, and then decapitated the manager. Authorities say the suspect kicked the victim’s head and later disposed of it in a dumpster. A video purportedly showing part of the attack circulated widely on social media, receiving more than 110,000 shares.
Arrest and charges
Dallas police responded to a call reporting a stabbing at about 9:30 a.m. on September 10. By the time officers arrived, Nagamallaiah was already deceased. Cobos-Martinez was located at the scene shortly after the attack and was arrested while still holding the machete and covered in blood. He is being held without bond at the Dallas County Jail and is also subject to an immigration detainer. The capital murder charge carries the possibility of death or life imprisonment under Texas law.
Immigration and criminal history
Cobos-Martinez is an undocumented immigrant from Cuba. He had previously been in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody and faced a final order of removal but was released earlier in 2025 after Cuban authorities declined to accept him. Federal immigration officials have highlighted the case as an example of the difficulties in removing certain undocumented immigrants when their home country will not issue travel documents or accept return.
Local and federal officials say his criminal record includes serious prior allegations and charges, such as child sex abuse, grand theft, and carjacking. The Department of Homeland Security criticized the federal government’s handling of his release and described the killing as preventable violence related to immigration enforcement challenges.
Community reaction and investigation status
The incident has drawn strong reactions in the Dallas community, where residents and witnesses described shock and fear following the graphic nature of the attack. Investigators continue to process the crime scene, review surveillance video, and gather witness statements. The circulation of a video that appears to show the assault has intensified public attention and raised concerns about social media sharing of violent content.
Next steps in legal process
Cobos-Martinez faces state prosecution on the capital murder charge and remains detained pending further court proceedings. The local prosecutor may seek the most severe penalties available under state law. Separately, immigration authorities will maintain a detainer while federal officials consider administrative options related to his immigration status. Criminal and immigration matters are proceeding on parallel tracks.
Context and broader issues
The killing has highlighted broader issues related to immigration enforcement, deportation logistics, and the handling of noncitizens with criminal histories when foreign governments will not accept their return. Officials say the combination of past criminal history and the inability to effect a removal created a difficult enforcement situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the motel?
Police say a workplace dispute over a broken washing machine escalated into a violent attack on September 10, 2025, during which the motel manager was allegedly beheaded by a coworker.
Who is the suspect?
The suspect is identified as 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, an undocumented Cuban national who is charged with capital murder and held without bond.
What charges does the suspect face?
The suspect faces a capital murder charge under Texas law, which can carry the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted.
Was the suspect previously in immigration custody?
Yes. Cobos-Martinez had been in ICE custody and faced a final order of removal but was released earlier in 2025 after Cuba refused to accept him.
Is there a video of the attack?
A video purporting to show part of the attack circulated on social media and reportedly received more than 110,000 shares, drawing additional public attention.
What will happen next legally?
The suspect remains in custody pending state prosecution on the capital murder charge and is subject to an immigration detainer while federal authorities review immigration options.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Downtown Suites Motel, Dallas, Texas |
| Date | September 10, 2025 |
| Victim | Chandra Moul Nagamallaiah, 50 |
| Suspect | Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, 37 |
| Charge | Capital murder |
| Weapon | Machete (alleged) |
| Police response | Call received ~9:30 a.m.; victim deceased on arrival |
| Custody status | Held without bond at Dallas County Jail; immigration detainer in place |
| Immigration status | Undocumented Cuban national; previously in ICE custody and released after Cuba refused acceptance |
| Prior criminal history | Includes allegations/charges of child sex abuse, grand theft, carjacking |
| Public attention | Video circulated with over 110,000 shares; community shock and concern |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Motel Manager Fatally Attacked in Downtown Dallas
Man Decapitated at Downtown Dallas Motel
Violent Homicide at Downtown Suites Motel in Dallas
27-Year-Old Man Shot and Killed in Dallas Red Bird Area
Operation Justice Trail Concludes with Arrests of Violent Felons
Homicide Suspect Captured in Mount Sterling, KY
Tragic Multi-Vehicle Crash in Burnet County Claims Five Lives
Additional Resources
- NBC News
- WFAA
- USA Today
- Google Search: Dallas motel beheading
- Wikipedia: Capital murder in the United States
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.
