Dallas, September 13, 2025
News Summary
A 37-year-old man, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, has been arrested for capital murder after allegedly beheading his employer, Chandra Nagamallaiah, in front of the victim’s family at a motel. The incident occurred during a dispute over a broken washing machine. Witnesses, including the victim’s wife and son, saw the attack unfold, which involved Cobos-Martinez using a machete. He was later found covered in blood at the scene with the victim’s belongings. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities probing the motive behind the violent act.
Dallas — A 37-year-old man has been arrested and charged with capital murder after authorities say he beheaded his employer in front of the victim’s wife and son at a Downtown Suites motel on the morning of September 10.
Key facts
The suspect, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, is accused of killing 50-year-old Chandra Nagamallaiah at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10, in the 3400 block of Samuell Boulevard, just off Interstate 30. Dallas police announced the arrest and the capital murder charge on September 12. Officers found Cobos-Martinez at the motel later the same day, covered in blood and armed with a machete, and he was taken into custody. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by Dallas Fire-Rescue.
What happened
According to police reports and witness accounts, an argument began over the use of a broken washing machine. The victim had been instructing Cobos-Martinez not to use the machine, which led to a verbal confrontation. Video from the scene shows the suspect exiting a motel room, retrieving a machete, and repeatedly stabbing the victim. The victim attempted to flee toward the motel’s front office while calling for help. During the assault, Cobos-Martinez reportedly pushed away the victim’s wife and son when they attempted to intervene. The affidavit states the suspect kicked the victim’s severed head across the parking lot and placed it in a trash can.
Arrest and items found
When officers arrived, they located Cobos-Martinez at the motel with visible blood on his person and armed with the alleged weapon. He was carrying the victim’s key card and cell phone at the time of arrest. Dallas police booked him into the Dallas County Jail and an immigration hold was later recorded. As of the announcement on September 12, charges from the Dallas County District Attorney were pending processing following the arrest on September 10.
Victim and family
The victim, Nagamallaiah, was 50 years old. The attack occurred in front of his wife and son, who witnessed the assault and attempted to intervene. A fundraiser organized for the victim’s family described the killing as sudden and deeply traumatic, emphasizing that the family witnessed the violence.
Investigation status and legal notes
Investigators continue to probe the motive behind the attack. As of September 12, police had not identified a clear motive beyond the immediate disagreement about the washing machine. Records checked on September 12 showed no public filings indicating whether Cobos-Martinez had retained legal counsel. The Dallas County District Attorney’s office was processing charges, and the suspect remains in custody under an immigration hold at the county jail.
Suspect background
Public records indicate Cobos-Martinez is a Cuban national with a documented history of violent crime convictions in California and prior arrests in Florida and Houston. Those prior incidents were noted in police records and court filings reviewed in connection with the investigation, and they informed booking and detention decisions following the September 10 arrest.
What authorities say next
Police continue to gather evidence, review video from the scene, and interview witnesses. The case remains under active investigation, and prosecutors will determine formal charges and next steps as the district attorney’s office files charges and the court calendar is updated. The Dallas County Jail records reflect an immigration hold, and additional administrative actions may follow based on investigative findings and prosecutorial decisions.
FAQ
Who was killed?
The victim was 50-year-old Chandra Nagamallaiah, who was found dead outside the motel and pronounced deceased by Dallas Fire-Rescue.
Who is the suspect and what is he charged with?
The suspect is 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martinez. He was arrested at the motel and faces a capital murder charge announced by the Dallas Police Department on September 12.
When and where did the attack occur?
The attack took place around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10, at the Downtown Suites motel in the 3400 block of Samuell Boulevard, near Interstate 30 in Dallas.
What weapon was used?
Authorities report the suspect used a machete and was found armed with it when officers arrested him.
Was anyone else present or injured?
The victim’s wife and son were present and attempted to intervene but were reportedly pushed away; public records do not indicate additional injuries to family members in the police account.
Has a motive been established?
No definitive motive had been established as of September 12; investigators are examining the argument about a broken washing machine and other evidence collected at the scene.
What is the suspect’s legal and immigration status?
Public records list the suspect as a Cuban national. He is being held in the Dallas County Jail with an immigration hold. Records reviewed did not show whether he had retained legal counsel as of September 12.
Details at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date and time | September 10, ~9:30 a.m. |
| Location | Downtown Suites motel, 3400 block of Samuell Boulevard, Dallas |
| Suspect | Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, 37 |
| Victim | Chandra Nagamallaiah, 50 |
| Charge | Capital murder |
| Weapon | Machete |
| Notable details | Attack witnessed by victim’s wife and son; suspect found covered in blood with victim’s key card and phone; immigration hold |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Man Charged with Capital Murder After Beheading at Dallas Motel
Cuban National Charged with Capital Murder in Dallas Motel Attack
Motel Manager Beheaded in Dallas Attack
Motel Manager Fatally Attacked in Downtown Dallas
Man Decapitated at Downtown Dallas Motel
Violent Homicide at Downtown Suites Motel in Dallas
Additional Resources
- NBC DFW
- Wikipedia: Beheading
- CBS News
- Google Search: Dallas motel stabbing
- Fox 4 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- NDTV
- Google News: Dallas motel beheading
- USA Today
- Google Scholar: Capital Murder
- NBC News
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.
