Recently released court documents from Dallas have shed light on the horrific murder of a motel manager who was beheaded with a machete in front of his family by a Cuban national. According to CBS News, the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martínez, worked at the Downtown Suites Motel alongside the victim, 50-year-old Chandra Nagamallaiah.
The incident reportedly began when Nagamallaiah instructed employees not to use a broken washing machine. A coworker present with Cobos-Martínez explained that he became upset because the woman translated the manager's message instead of Nagamallaiah addressing him directly. Moments later, Cobos-Martínez left the room, grabbed a machete, and launched a brutal attack on Nagamallaiah.
Nagamallaiah attempted to escape to the motel office where his wife and son were located, but he was caught. Both his wife and child tried in vain to protect him. As per the police report, Cobos-Martínez stole the victim's cellphone and access card and continued the assault until he had decapitated him.
The detective in charge noted that the Cuban national then "kicked Nagamallaiah's head twice towards the parking lot before picking it up and placing it in a trash bin." A witness interviewed by CBS Texas recounted the desperation of Nagamallaiah's family: "I feel terrible for his family because they were out there not knowing what to do. She was screaming, shouting, but I told her to leave because I didn't know if he would attack her too."
Arrest and Criminal History
Cobos-Martínez was apprehended shortly after the incident when a fire truck spotted him walking armed and with blood-stained clothing. The rescuers followed the suspect until the police could arrest him. Authorities confirmed that Cobos-Martínez confessed to the crime during questioning. He is currently held in the Dallas County Jail on a charge of capital murder and also faces an immigration detainer.
Court records reveal that Cobos-Martínez had prior arrests in the United States for auto theft in Florida and faced charges of indecency with a minor and assault in Houston. The savagery of the murder has shocked the city and deeply affected the victim's family, who witnessed the entire tragic event. This case also reignites the debate on public safety and the handling of immigrants with criminal records in the United States.
Key Questions about the Texas Murder Case
What triggered the attack on Chandra Nagamallaiah?
The attack was triggered after Nagamallaiah asked employees not to use a damaged washing machine, and Cobos-Martínez became upset over the translation of this message.
How was Yordanis Cobos-Martínez apprehended?
Cobos-Martínez was arrested after a fire truck crew spotted him walking with a weapon and blood on his clothes. They followed him until the police arrived to make the arrest.
What charges does Cobos-Martínez face?
Cobos-Martínez is charged with capital murder and has an immigration detainer. He also has a history of arrests for auto theft in Florida and charges of indecency with a minor and assault in Houston.