Dallas, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Dallas police are investigating a violent homicide that occurred at the Downtown Suites motel, resulting in the death of 50-year-old Chandra Nagamallaiah. The suspect, 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, has been arrested and charged with capital murder. Witness testimonies indicate a brutal attack involving an edged weapon, with the victim allegedly chased by the suspect during the incident. Authorities are still working to establish a motive and are gathering evidence from both the motel and a nearby business.
Dallas — Dallas police are investigating a violent homicide at a Downtown Suites motel in Old East Dallas that left one person dead and a suspect in custody on a capital murder charge.
What happened
The incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. at the Downtown Suites motel. Emergency responders were called after reports of a violent attack involving an edged weapon. Dallas Fire-Rescue pronounced the victim dead at the scene. The victim has been identified as 50-year-old Chandra Nagamallaiah. The suspect has been identified as 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martinez and was taken into custody by Dallas police and charged with capital murder.
Key evidence and scenes
Officers established a primary crime scene at the motel and a secondary crime scene at Beer Mart Express, a nearby business. The suspect was arrested while walking along the sidewalk in front of the Beer Mart Express. Law enforcement reported the suspect was armed with a bladed weapon at the time of arrest; officers exercised restraint during the arrest and took the individual into custody without further injury.
Nature of injuries and graphic reports
Investigators say the victim suffered multiple cuts from an edged weapon. Initial reports and graphic images that circulated after the incident suggested the victim may have been beheaded; that observation has not been officially confirmed by investigators. Audio from 911 calls included references to a severe, violent attack consistent with the injuries described by responders. Dallas Fire-Rescue confirmed death at the scene.
Witness accounts and immediate response
Multiple witnesses told police that both the victim and the suspect were employees of the motel. Witness statements allege that the suspect chased the victim with a machete, struck the victim several times, and continued the attack near the motel grounds. A witness reported the victim ran toward the motel office while calling for help, where family members were present. The victim’s son attempted to intervene by striking the suspect with a bat but was unable to stop the attack.
Investigative status and charges
Dallas police said a motive has not yet been established. The suspect has been formally charged with capital murder and remains the subject of an active investigation. Detectives are processing both scenes for evidence and continue to review witness statements and 911 audio as part of the investigation. Law enforcement encourages anyone with information about the homicide to contact Detective Cody Clark with the Dallas Police Department.
Public safety and next steps
Police continue to secure and process the motel and nearby business scenes. Additional evidence collection and forensic processing are expected to continue as investigators work to establish a clear timeline, motive, and the full sequence of events that led to the attack. Authorities also continue to interview witnesses, collect electronic evidence, and review surveillance footage from the vicinity.
What authorities are asking of the public
Investigators are asking anyone who was in the area around the motel and Beer Mart Express between the early morning hours and the time of the incident to check any personal video or dash-camera footage and to contact Dallas police if they have information that could assist the case. No further details on the suspect’s mental state, prior history, or additional charges have been released at this time.
Background
Capital murder is the most serious criminal charge available in Texas and can be applied when certain aggravating factors are present. The case will proceed through the normal criminal justice process, including booking, possible magistrate proceedings, and formal arraignment. Investigators will present gathered evidence to the appropriate prosecuting authority as the case develops.
FAQ
Who was the victim?
The victim has been identified by authorities as 50-year-old Chandra Nagamallaiah.
Who is the suspect and what charge was filed?
The suspect is identified as 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, who has been charged with capital murder.
When and where did the incident occur?
The attack occurred at about 9:30 a.m. at the Downtown Suites motel in Old East Dallas. A second scene was established at Beer Mart Express nearby.
Was the victim beheaded?
Initial reports and circulated images suggested the victim may have been beheaded, but investigators have not officially confirmed that specific detail. Authorities have confirmed the victim suffered multiple cuts from an edged weapon and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Were the victim and suspect connected?
Witnesses reported that both the victim and the suspect were employees of the motel, according to police statements.
Is there a known motive?
As of the latest update, police have not established a motive. The investigation is ongoing.
How can someone provide information to the investigation?
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Cody Clark at the Dallas Police Department.
| Time | ~9:30 a.m. |
| Location | Downtown Suites motel, Old East Dallas; second scene at Beer Mart Express |
| Victim | Chandra Nagamallaiah, 50 |
| Suspect | Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, 37 (in custody) |
| Charge | Capital murder |
| Weapon | Edged weapon (reports reference a machete) |
| Arrest location | In front of Beer Mart Express, nearby the motel |
| Investigation status | Active; evidence collection and witness interviews ongoing |
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Additional Resources
- WFAA: Dallas Motel Beheading Attack
- Wikipedia: Capital Murder
- NBC DFW: Man Stabbed at Dallas Motel
- Google Search: Dallas Motel Beheading
- Fox 4 News: Police Investigate Beheading
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homicide
- CBS News: Dallas Motel Stabbing
- Google News: Dallas Motel Homicide
- Star-Telegram: Dallas Crime Report
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.
