The Indian community in Dallas is in shock after a brutal killing claimed the life of 50-year-old motel manager Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, originally from Karnataka, India.
The gruesome attack occurred on Wednesday morning at the Downtown Suites Motel, where Nagamallaiah worked as a manager. According to the Dallas Police Department, he was involved in an argument with a co-worker, 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, over a malfunctioning washing machine.
Witnesses told police that Nagamallaiah instructed staff not to use the faulty machine. When he asked another person to translate his message to Cobos-Martinez instead of speaking to him directly, it allegedly enraged the suspect.
Surveillance footage later showed Cobos-Martinez leaving the scene, returning with a machete, and chasing Nagamallaiah. The victim ran toward the motel office, where his wife and 18-year-old son were present. Despite their desperate attempts to intervene, Cobos-Martinez fatally attacked Nagamallaiah in front of them.
Police arrested Cobos-Martinez shortly after the incident. He has been charged with capital murder and remains in custody without bond. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole or even the death penalty.
Investigators also revealed that the accused has a criminal history in Houston, including arrests for auto theft and assault.
Family members and friends remembered Nagamallaiah, affectionately called “Bob,” as a kind and devoted husband and father.
“This unimaginable tragedy was not only sudden but deeply traumatic. Bob’s life was taken in a brutal attack that occurred in front of his wife and son, who bravely tried to protect him,” said a family statement.
The Indian community in Dallas has launched a fundraiser to support the grieving family with funeral expenses, immediate financial needs, and the college education of Nagamallaiah’s son. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday.
