Indian-Origin Motel Manager Beheaded in Texas After Dispute; Co-Worker Arrested

Dallas, Texas: In a shocking incident, an Indian-origin motel manager was brutally killed following a dispute over a washing machine. The victim, 50-year-old Chandramouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, originally from Karnataka, was beheaded in front of his wife and son on Wednesday morning.

The suspect has been identified as Cobos-Martinez

According to the Dallas Police Department, Nagamallaiah had instructed co-worker Cobos-Martinez and a female colleague not to use a broken washing machine. When he asked the female colleague to translate his directions instead of addressing him directly, Cobos-Martinez reportedly took offense. Shortly afterward, he chased and attacked Nagamallaiah with a machete.

CCTV footage revealed the horrifying sequence of events: the victim, screaming for help, ran towards the motel office where his wife and son were present. Despite their desperate attempts to intervene, the assailant continued the assault. The video further shows Cobos-Martinez carrying out the gruesome act before discarding the victim’s remains in a dumpster.

Police confirmed that the accused, who has a prior criminal history including arrests for auto theft and assault, has been charged with capital murder. He is currently being held without bond and faces the possibility of life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty if convicted. During interrogation, he reportedly confessed to the crime.

A disturbing video of the incident is being widely circulated online, adding to the distress of the victim’s family and community.

Consulate General of India Responds

The Consulate General of India in Houston expressed condolences over the tragic killing. In a statement on X, it said:
“Consulate General of India, Houston, condoles the tragic death of Mr. Chandra Nagamallaiah, an Indian National, killed brutally at his workplace in Dallas, Tx. We are in touch with the family and offering all possible assistance. The accused is in the custody of Dallas Police. We are following up on the matter closely.”

Family and Community in Mourning

The incident has devastated Nagamallaiah’s family and friends, who described him as a loving husband, devoted father, and kind-hearted individual.

“This unimaginable tragedy was not only sudden but deeply traumatic,” friends told PTI. “Bob’s life was taken in a brutal attack that occurred in front of his wife and son, who bravely tried to protect him. The shocking nature of this event has shaken our community.”

The Indian-American community in Texas has rallied together to support the grieving family, offering emotional and financial assistance in the wake of the loss.