Indian-origin Man Killed After Seeking the Help Of A Translator, Which Enraged His Coworker.

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The gruesome murder of Chandra Nagamallaiah in broad daylight has sent shockwaves through the Indian American community. Reportedly, the 50-year-old Motel manager, Nagamallaiah, asked for a translator to talk with his colleague Cobos-Martinez, who was enraged by this act and used a machete to brutally behead him in front of his family. 

The victim, Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, originally from Karnataka, was involved in an argument with the killer Cobos-Martinez about a malfunctioning washing machine, PTI reported, citing the Dallas Police Department.


The Incident

According to the police department, a fellow motel worker stated she was cleaning a room with Cobos-Martinez when Nagamallaiah arrived and instructed them not to use the faulty washing machine. The matter escalated when Nagamallaiah asked another colleague to translate his orders rather than speaking to Cobos-Martinez directly, which reportedly enraged him. 

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A thorough investigation of the surveillance camera showed that Cobos-Martinez was leaving the scene, only to return with a machete. The victim tried to hurriedly escape and ran toward the motel office. Nagamallaiah’s wife and 18-year-old son were also present there. Despite their desperate attempts to protect him, the suspect got hold of Nagamallaiah and fatally assaulted him in front of his family. A video captured the horrible scenes of Nagamallaiah being attacked multiple times with a machete. The arrest affidavit claimed Nagamallaiah ran to the parking lot after being attacked as the killer chased him. 


Police Arrested Yordanis Cobos-Martinez

Police arrested Yordanis Cobos-Martinez in connection with the brutal murder of Nagamallaiah. In a sworn statement to a Dallas County magistrate judge, a detective claimed 37-year-old Cobos-Martinez was involved in an argument with Nagamallaiah. 

According to the affidavit in support of an arrest warrant, Cobos-Martinez admitted to police about killing the victim with a machete. The police have charged him with capital murder. He will have to remain in custody without bond. If found guilty, he will face life in prison without parole or the death penalty. 

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Investigators also revealed that Cobos-Martinez has a couple of prior criminal records in Houston, including arrests for assault and auto theft.


The Consulate Offers Support to the Family

“Consulate General of India, Houston, condoles the tragic death of Mr. Chandra Nagamallaiah, an Indian National, killed brutally at his workplace in Dallas, Texas. We are in touch with the family and offering all possible assistance. The accused is in the custody of the Dallas Police. We are following up on the matter closely,” the consulate wrote on X.

Affectionately known as Bob, friends and relatives described Nagamallaiah as a kind and caring person devoted to his family. After the tragedy, the Indian community in Dallas has set up a fundraiser for the grieving family to support with funeral expenses, immediate living costs, and the college education of Nagamallaiah’s son. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday.

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How to describe the killing of Chandra Nagamallaiah in Dallas? Is it the killing of a manager by an enraged employee? Or a reckless crime by a recidivist? Whatever the description, one thing is certain: human life is extremely vulnerable amidst global unrest. From the assassination of Charlie Kirk to this Dallas shocker, safety across the US has become a talking point among people living there.