DALLAS, Texas — A horrifying act of violence shocked the East Dallas community Wednesday morning when 50-year-old Chandra Nagamallaiah was brutally killed at the Downtown Suites Motel. Authorities have charged 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martinez with capital murder in connection with the attack.
The Dallas Police Department said officers were dispatched to the motel, located in the 3400 block of Samuell Boulevard near Interstate 30, at around 9:30 a.m. after receiving reports of a stabbing in progress. When officers arrived, they discovered Nagamallaiah had been decapitated in a vicious machete assault.
According to an arrest affidavit, the incident began with a dispute over a broken washing machine inside the motel. Witnesses told police that Nagamallaiah had advised Cobos-Martinez not to use the malfunctioning machine. Tensions escalated when Nagamallaiah sought translation assistance from another individual rather than speaking directly to Cobos-Martinez.
The affidavit states that surveillance footage captured Cobos-Martinez leaving the room, retrieving a machete, and then launching his attack. Nagamallaiah attempted to flee toward the motel’s front office but was overtaken. Witnesses, including his wife and son, tried to intervene, but were unable to stop the assault as Cobos-Martinez repeatedly struck Nagamallaiah even after he collapsed to the ground.
One witness described the scene as “unthinkable,” saying the suspect continued swinging the weapon with “rage and precision.”
Dallas Police confirmed that responding officers were able to quickly take Cobos-Martinez into custody, despite him still being armed at the time. Dallas Fire-Rescue was also dispatched but pronounced Nagamallaiah dead at the scene.
During a press briefing, Executive Assistant Chief Terrence Rhodes commended the officers for their rapid response and restraint, saying:
“Our officers were proactively patrolling the area and responded quickly to take the violent criminal into custody. Even though the suspect was armed with a bladed weapon, the officers showed tremendous restraint and used minimal force to apprehend him. This violent crime will not go unpunished, and our department is committed to pursuing justice for the victim and his family.”
The incident left motel residents and the surrounding community shaken. Witnesses reported dozens of police cars, crime scene tape, and investigators flooding the area throughout the day.
Cobos-Martinez is being held on a capital murder charge, which could carry the death penalty in Texas. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether he has an attorney.
As the investigation continues, Dallas Police are reviewing surveillance footage, gathering witness statements, and working closely with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office to prepare the case.
This shocking act of violence underscores both the fragility of everyday disputes and the devastating impact such crimes can have on families and communities.
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