Dallas, September 12, 2025
News Summary
A Dallas motel manager, Chandra Nagamallaiah, was brutally beheaded in a violent altercation with a 37-year-old Cuban immigrant, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez. The attack stemmed from a dispute over a broken washing machine and escalated rapidly, resulting in Cobos-Martinez using a machete. He was arrested shortly after, still armed and covered in blood. Cobos-Martinez faces capital murder charges, raising concerns about his criminal history and immigration status. This incident has sparked public safety discussions regarding violent offenders within the immigration system.
Dallas
A Dallas motel manager was beheaded Wednesday morning and a man has been charged with capital murder. Police arrested 37-year-old Cuban immigrant Yordanis Cobos-Martinez minutes after the attack and booked him on a capital murder charge. The victim, identified as 50-year-old motel manager Chandra Nagamallaiah, was killed at Downtown Suites on Samuell Boulevard at about 9:30 a.m. following a dispute over a broken washing machine.
What happened
Officials say the confrontation began when Nagamallaiah directed another staff member to translate instead of speaking directly to Cobos-Martinez. The disagreement escalated into a physical attack during which Cobos-Martinez produced a machete. The manager attempted to flee toward the front office but fell while running. Witness accounts indicate the assailant repeatedly struck the victim’s neck and subsequently decapitated him. After the attack, Cobos-Martinez reportedly kicked the severed head and placed it in a trash can.
Arrest and statements
Police arrived on scene within minutes and arrested Cobos-Martinez while he still had the machete and was covered in blood. Investigators conducted a recorded interview in which Cobos-Martinez is reported to have confessed to the killing. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) participated in the interrogation process and later commented that Cobos-Martinez should not have been free in the United States, citing a lack of deportation flights to Cuba as a factor in his earlier release from custody.
Charges and custody status
Cobos-Martinez faces a capital murder charge. He was taken into custody at the scene and remains detained pending formal court proceedings. Authorities have indicated the case will proceed through the local criminal justice system, with prosecutors likely to pursue the most serious charges available given the nature of the attack.
Criminal history and prior custody
Court records and local law enforcement files show a history of violent and other criminal incidents involving Cobos-Martinez. Records include a 2017 arrest for attempted carjacking in South Lake Tahoe, California, and multiple charges filed in Harris County, Texas. In 2023, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault and was sentenced to one year; however, he received credit for nearly five years already served, indicating extended pretrial incarceration in earlier matters. ICE records show Cobos-Martinez was released from ICE custody under supervision on January 13 after officials assessed there was no significant likelihood of removal to Cuba. At the time of that release, an active probation violation warrant from California remained outstanding.
Official reactions and international involvement
ICE has attributed part of the problem to a lack of available deportation flights to Cuba, saying that feature of international transport and diplomatic logistics contributed to Cobos-Martinez being free in the U.S. at the time of the killing. The Indian Consulate has contacted the victim’s family, offered condolences, and is providing consular assistance in the aftermath of the murder.
Public safety and legal context
The combination of Cobos-Martinez’s prior record, his recent supervised release from ICE custody, and the active warrant from California has prompted questions from officials and residents about how violent offenders are managed across immigration and criminal justice systems. Investigators and prosecutors will review custodial decisions, prior records, and the sequence of events leading to the release that preceded the fatal incident as part of the ongoing case review.
Next steps
Police and prosecutors are continuing their investigation. Evidence collected at the scene includes the weapon recovered at the time of arrest and witness statements. Prosecutors will decide on formal charging documents and next court appearances, and ICE involvement may continue as immigration-related issues are reviewed in parallel with criminal proceedings.
Background
Capital murder is the most serious charge available in Texas and can carry the most severe penalties if convictions are obtained. The case highlights the intersection of criminal history, immigration custody and removal processes, and local law enforcement response. The sequence of prior arrests, plea outcomes, credited time served, and decisions about supervised release from ICE custody are part of the investigative record authorities will examine as the case moves through the courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed?
The victim was identified as 50-year-old motel manager Chandra Nagamallaiah, who was killed at Downtown Suites on Samuell Boulevard in Dallas.
Who has been charged?
Authorities charged 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martinez with capital murder in connection with the attack and subsequent beheading.
When and where did the attack occur?
The attack occurred on a Wednesday morning at about 9:30 a.m. inside Downtown Suites, a motel located on Samuell Boulevard in Dallas.
What weapon was used?
Investigators report the assailant produced a machete during the confrontation and was found with the weapon at the time of arrest.
Was there a confession?
Police report that Cobos-Martinez confessed to the killing during a recorded interview that involved ICE personnel.
What is known about the suspect’s immigration and criminal history?
Cobos-Martinez is a Cuban immigrant with prior arrests, including a 2017 attempted carjacking arrest and charges in Harris County. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault in 2023 and was released from ICE custody under supervision on January 13 with officials citing low likelihood of removal to Cuba.
Is the victim’s family receiving support?
The Indian Consulate has reached out to the family to offer condolences and consular assistance.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Downtown Suites, Samuell Boulevard, Dallas |
| Time | Approximately 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday |
| Victim | Chandra Nagamallaiah, 50, motel manager |
| Suspect | Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, 37, Cuban immigrant |
| Charge | Capital murder |
| Weapon | Machete (recovered at arrest) |
| Arrest | Minutes after the attack; suspect found armed and blood-covered |
| Immigration status | Released from ICE custody under supervision on January 13 due to low likelihood of removal to Cuba |
| Relevant history | 2017 attempted carjacking arrest; 2023 guilty plea to misdemeanor assault; active California probation warrant at time of release |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
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.
