Dallas Motel Employee Charged With Capital Murder After Manager Beheaded

Dallas Motel Employee Charged With Capital Murder After Manager Beheaded

Dallas police have arrested a Cuban national accused of decapitating his supervisor during a violent attack at a motel on the city’s northwest side. Authorities say Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, 37, is charged with capital murder in the death of Chandra Nagamallaiah, 50, the manager of the Downtown Suites Motel.

Investigators report that the attack happened after an argument over work duties escalated. Witnesses said Cobos-Martinez retrieved a machete and struck Nagamallaiah repeatedly as he tried to escape toward the motel office. The victim’s wife and son were nearby and attempted to intervene.

According to police, Cobos-Martinez was arrested at the scene still holding the weapon and covered in blood. He is being held without bond in Dallas County Jail.

Federal immigration officials confirmed Cobos-Martinez had previously been in ICE custody but was released earlier this year after Cuba refused to accept his deportation. ICE has now lodged a new detainer against him.

Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to build their case. The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy.

The attack has drawn national attention due to its brutality and to questions about the suspect’s immigration status. Officials say they are also examining the suspect’s criminal history in other states, including an outstanding probation violation warrant from California.

Cobos-Martinez faces life in prison or the death penalty if convicted of capital murder under Texas law.