The Consulate General of India in Houston has expressed condolences and assured full support to the family of 50-year-old Chandra Nagamallaiah, an Indian national who was brutally killed at his workplace in East Dallas, Texas.
According to reports, Nagamallaiah was attacked and beheaded by 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, a Cuban migrant. The accused, arrested on Wednesday, is currently being held at Dallas County Jail on charges of capital murder.
In a statement, the Indian Consulate said: “We condole 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. We are following up the matter closely.”
Local media reported that both the victim and the suspect worked at the Downtown Suites motel, where the incident took place. Witnesses told CBS News that Cobos-Martinez chased Nagamallaiah with a machete, struck him multiple times, and then decapitated him. He was later arrested by police while still armed and covered in blood.
Dallas Police said the preliminary investigation confirmed that the victim was attacked with an edged weapon. Authorities have not disclosed further details, citing the ongoing probe.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed it assisted Dallas police in the investigation. ICE officials revealed that Cobos-Martinez had previously been held at a detention center in Texas but was released in January due to the lack of deportation flights to Cuba. In its statement, the agency described the crime as “unthinkable.”
Residents in the area have called the incident shocking and disturbing, with many expressing fear and disbelief over the gruesome act.