Houston: A 50-year-old Indian-origin motel manager in the US was beheaded in front of his wife and son in Texas following a dispute over a washing machine, police said.
The suspect, a co-worker with a criminal record, has been arrested and charged with capital murder.
The incident took place Wednesday morning at the Downtown Suites motel in Dallas.
Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, originally from Karnataka, was killed after a dispute over a broken washing machine with his co-worker Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, according to the Dallas Police Department.
Cobos-Martinez, 37, reportedly became enraged when Nagamallaiah asked another person to translate his instructions instead of addressing him directly.
Surveillance footage showed Cobos-Martinez retrieving a machete and attacking Nagamallaiah.
The victim fled toward the motel office where his wife and 18-year-old son were present, but the suspect pursued him, carrying out the assault despite their attempts to intervene.
Cobos-Martine, who has a prior criminal history in Houston, including arrests for auto theft and assault, is being held without bond.
If convicted, he could face life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.
The Consulate General of India in Houston condoled the death of Nagamallaiah and said it is following up on the matter closely.
“We are in touch with the family and offering all possible assistance. The accused is in the custody of Dallas Police,” it said in a post on X.
Known as Bob to friends and family, Nagamallaiah was remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, and kind soul who touched the lives of everyone he knew.
“This unimaginable tragedy was not only sudden but deeply traumatic,” friends said.
“Bob’s life was taken in a brutal attack that occurred in front of his wife and son, who bravely tried to protect him. The shocking nature of this event has shaken our community.”
Friends, family, and the local Indian community are coming together to support his family.
A fundraiser has been set up to help cover funeral expenses, immediate living costs, and his son’s college education. Funeral services for Nagamallaiah are scheduled for Saturday.
