Indian origin man from Karnataka beheaded at Dallas

Dallas, Texas

In a horrifying act of workplace violence, a 50-year-old Indian-origin man from Karnataka, Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, was brutally beheaded by his co-worker at a Dallas motel on September 10, 2025. The gruesome incident, captured on security cameras, unfolded in front of Nagamallaiah’s wife and 18-year-old son, leaving the Indian-American community in shock and sparking outrage over immigrant safety.

Nagamallaiah, who had managed operations at the Downtown Suites motel on Samuell Boulevard for the past two to three years, was cleaning a room with employee Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, 37, when the dispute erupted. According to police affidavits, Nagamallaiah instructed Cobos-Martinez not to use a broken washing machine but asked a female co-worker to translate the message instead of speaking directly to him. This perceived slight enraged the suspect, who allegedly stabbed Nagamallaiah multiple times with a machete before chasing him toward the motel’s front office.

Witnesses, including Nagamallaiah’s family, watched helplessly as Cobos-Martinez beheaded the victim, kicked his severed head into the parking lot, and discarded it in a dumpster. Covered in blood and still clutching the machete, the suspect was arrested at the scene by Dallas police, who also recovered Nagamallaiah’s phone and a key card from him. During interrogation, Cobos-Martinez confessed to the killing.

The Cuban national has a violent criminal history, including convictions in California and prior arrests in Florida and Houston. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed that he was released from custody on January 13, 2025, despite a removal order, due to a “no significant likelihood for removal” to Cuba amid limited deportation flights. ICE later described the murder as “unthinkable” and admitted in hindsight that the suspect should not have been free. Cobos-Martinez now faces capital murder charges and is held without bond at Dallas County Jail, with an immigration hold in place.

The Consulate General of India in Houston expressed deep condolences, stating, “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.” Colleagues remembered Nagamallaiah as a hardworking family man devoted to his loved ones.

The tragedy has ignited online fury, with social media users on X decrying limited mainstream coverage and raising alarms about anti-Asian violence and risks faced by immigrant workers. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family with funeral expenses, immediate living costs, and the son’s college education. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday.

This incident underscores growing concerns about workplace safety and immigration enforcement failures in the U.S., as authorities continue investigating the motel for further evidence.