Dallas Motel Beheading: Suspect Yordanis Cobos-Martinez Charged with Capital Murder
A gruesome crime has shocked Dallas after a man was beheaded at a motel on Wednesday morning. The suspect, identified as Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, 37, is in custody and charged with capital murder. The victim has been identified as Chandra Mouli Nagamallaiah, 50.
The Incident at Downtown Suites Motel
The incident occurred at the Downtown Suites motel, located off Interstate 30 near the Tenison Golf Course. Police were called to the scene after reports of a violent altercation. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of Nagamallaiah, and quickly apprehended Cobos-Martinez nearby, covered in blood and still carrying the machete.
According to an arrest affidavit, Cobos-Martinez was cleaning room 108 with a witness when Nagamallaiah told him not to use a broken washing machine. The witness told police Cobos-Martinez became upset that Nagamallaiah spoke to her to translate rather than speaking directly to him. Video footage reportedly shows Cobos-Martinez retrieving a machete and attacking Nagamallaiah.
Gruesome Details from the Affidavit
The affidavit reveals horrifying details. Nagamallaiah attempted to flee, running toward the front office, but Cobos-Martinez pursued him, continuing the attack. Tragically, Nagamallaiah's wife and son witnessed the assault and attempted to intervene, but Cobos-Martinez pushed them away.
Police say Cobos-Martinez then went through the victim's pockets, taking his cell phone and key card before decapitating him. He allegedly kicked the severed head twice into the parking lot before placing it in a dumpster. Cobos-Martinez reportedly admitted to the killing during questioning.
Suspect's Background and Immigration Status
Yordanis Cobos-Martinez is a Cuban national and is being held on an ICE hold in addition to the capital murder charge. Records show that Cobos-Martinez has a violent criminal history, including a prior conviction in California. ICE confirmed that Cobos-Martinez was previously released from their custody due to Cuba’s refusal to accept him back.
ICE has lodged a detainer for the federal arrest and removal of Cobos-Martinez, whom they called a “depraved criminal illegal alien from Cuba.” The Department of Homeland Security has pointed to this case as part of its reasoning behind stricter immigration policies.
Community Reaction and Investigation
The motel property owners described Nagamallaiah as a good and hardworking person who had managed the motel for several years. A fundraiser has been established to support Nagamallaiah's family, calling the killing sudden and deeply traumatic, stating that his life "was taken in a brutal attack that occurred in front of his wife and son, who bravely tried to protect him." Detectives are continuing their investigation, and have served a search warrant at the motel for more clues.
