In a chilling act of violence, a Cuban national previously ordered deported brutally decapitated his boss at a Dallas-area motel in front of the victim’s family, as the Daily Mail reports.

Authorities say Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, who had a documented criminal history and was in the United States illegally, killed Chandra “Bob” Nagamallaiah with a machete during a violent confrontation after being told not to use a broken washing machine.

The attack unfolded on a Wednesday morning at a Texas motel where Nagamallaiah, 50, lived and worked alongside his wife and 18-year-old son. The dispute erupted when Cobos-Martinez, 37, was told through a translator that the laundry machine was not in service. He stormed off, retrieved a machete, and returned to confront his employer.

Surveillance camera footage reviewed by police captured the gruesome scene that followed. As Nagamallaiah attempted to flee, he was repeatedly slashed and stabbed, ultimately being decapitated in the motel parking lot. His wife and son witnessed the slaying and tried to intervene, but Cobos-Martinez violently shoved them away multiple times.

After the fatal attack, the suspect continued to desecrate the victim’s body. Law enforcement says Cobos-Martinez picked up Nagamallaiah's severed head, kicked it across the parking lot, and threw it into a dumpster. Dallas police arrived shortly afterward and secured the area as a crime scene. Dallas Fire-Rescue was the first to respond to the 911 emergency call.

Disturbing surveillance footage emerges

Police located Cobos-Martinez just blocks away from the motel on Samuell Boulevard. They reported that he was still carrying the machete used in the attack, along with a motel keycard and the victim’s phone. The suspect was reportedly covered in blood at the time of his arrest.

In a videotaped confession to investigators, Cobos-Martinez admitted to the killing. He is currently incarcerated without bond at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center on a capital murder charge. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has since lodged a detainer request to take custody if he is released.

ICE confirmed to media outlets that Cobos-Martinez had been detained earlier in the year, on January 13, but was released after officials determined there was little chance of deporting him in the foreseeable future. “This barbaric criminal was released because Cuba would not accept him due to his criminal history,” the agency stated.

Past crimes raise critical questions

At the time of the attack, Cobos-Martinez had an active warrant in California related to a probation violation. His criminal record includes a conviction for a disturbing 2011 carjacking incident in South Lake Tahoe, California, where he hijacked a woman’s car while naked. That crime resulted in a 1.5-year prison sentence.

He also had prior offenses registered in Florida. Despite those convictions, ICE said officials were unable to remove him because Cuba repeatedly denied repatriation. Nevertheless, a local outlet reported that deportation flights to Cuba were still occurring as recently as 2023.

The victim, originally from India, was remembered by community members as a hardworking and kind man devoted to his family. Nagamallaiah had settled in the Dallas area and worked tirelessly at the motel to provide a better future for his wife and son.

Family left devastated

Nagamallaiah is survived by his wife, Nisha, and their son, Gaurav, an 18-year-old who just graduated high school and was preparing to start a degree in Hospitality Management. “Gaurav dreams of studying Hospitality Management, inspired by his father’s hard work and generosity,” said Tanmay Petel, the organizer of a donation campaign for the family.

The Indian-American community in Dallas has raised more than $151,000 to help cover funeral expenses and other costs faced by the grieving family. Supporters described Nagamallaiah as more than just a boss -- he was a loving father, a caring husband, and a respected figure in his community.

Gaurav and his mother were among the witnesses of the horrific event, both of whom attempted to intervene. Their brave but unsuccessful efforts to stop the attack have been commended by police and paramedics who responded to the call.

Lessons learn

1. Take notice of signs of aggression or erratic behavior in those around you. Even disagreements that seem minor can escalate quickly when a person has underlying criminal tendencies or unresolved anger issues. Always report concerning behavior to authorities or property managers if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

2. Employers should ensure proper screening and background checks for residents or workers in sensitive environments like family-run motels. While processes may not be foolproof, increased awareness and scrutiny can minimize risks in close working and living quarters.

3. Families should never feel shame in seeking help managing complex tenant or employee relationships. No matter how cautious or kind someone may be, crime can affect anyone, and victims should never be blamed for an attacker’s actions. Community awareness and supportive networks are key to healing and safety.

Why this story matters

This story is a painful reminder of what can happen when public safety systems fail to protect communities. It raises serious questions about immigration enforcement and the gaps in coordination between jurisdictions.

The violent loss of Chandra Nagamallaiah has sent shockwaves not only through Dallas's Indian-American community but across the state.