Indian Man Beheaded In US Motel After Argument Over Washing Machine

An Indian man was attacked with a machete and beheaded, allegedly after an argument with his employee at a motel in the US city of Dallas.

The incident took place on Wednesday when Chandra Nagamallaiah, originally from Karnataka, reportedly told Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, 37, not to use the broken washing machine. Cobos-Martinez was upset as Nagamallaiah asked another employee to translate his instructions instead of addressing him directly.

The accused then got a machete and stabbed the 50-year-old multiple times. Nagamallaiah reportedly tried to run down the parking lot towards the front office, but was chased by the accused.

Nagamallaiah's wife and 18-year-old son also walked out of the front office and tried to stop Cobos-Martinez, but he pushed them away.

The accused then decapitated the victim and kicked his head.

A video has gone viral showing Cobos-Martinez picking up the severed head and carrying it to the dumpster. He was arrested as he was leaving the dumpster area, covered in blood, carrying the machete.

The Indian Consulate condoled the "tragic" death of Nagamallaiah and said he was "killed brutally" at his workplace.

"We are in touch with the family and offering all possible assistance. The accused is in the custody of Dallas Police. We are following up on the matter closely," the Consulate posted on X.

Consulate General of India, Houston, condoles the tragic death of Mr. Chandra Nagamallaiah, an Indian National, killed brutally at his workplace in Dallas, Tx.

We are in touch with the family and offering all possible assistance. The accused is in the custody of Dallas Police.…

— India in Houston (@cgihou) September 11, 2025

Cobos-Martinez, who has been charged with capital murder, reportedly has a prior criminal history in Houston, including arrests for auto theft and assault.