Dallas Consulate Offers Support as Suspect in Motel Beheading Remains Held Without Bail

Lead Dallas authorities confirmed Friday that Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, the 37-year-old accused of decapitating motel manager Chandra Nagamallaiah on Wednesday, remains jailed without bond on a capital murder charge and an immigration hold.

Nut Graf Cobos-Martinez’s case has drawn international attention after the Indian Consulate in Houston issued a statement today expressing “deep condolences” and pledging support to Nagamallaiah’s family, underscoring concerns over workplace violence and immigration enforcement.

Court Appearance and Charges Cobos-Martinez made his first court appearance Thursday at the Dallas County Justice Center. Prosecutors detailed the gruesome killing-allegedly triggered by an argument over a broken washing machine-during which Cobos-Martinez pursued the victim with a machete and removed his head before placing it in a dumpster. He has pleaded not guilty.

Consulate Response On Friday morning, the Consulate General of India in Houston released a statement mourning Nagamallaiah, originally from Karnataka, and confirmed it is “in touch with the family and offering all possible assistance.” The post on X emphasized that the accused is in Dallas Police custody and the consulate is “closely following up on the matter”.

Investigation and Next Steps Investigators continue to review surveillance footage and witness statements from the Downtown Suites motel on Samuell Boulevard. Dallas Police have executed a search warrant at the scene and are examining Cobos-Martinez’s prior criminal history, which includes felony convictions in California and arrests in Florida and Texas.

A bond hearing is pending; Cobos-Martinez remains held without bail under the statute for capital murder in Texas. Prosecutors indicated they will seek a capital indictment at a grand jury session scheduled later this month.

Family and Community Impact Nagamallaiah’s wife and teenage son, who witnessed the attack, have been offered victim support services by Dallas County Victim Services. Community members and local Indian-American organizations have organized a fundraiser to assist with funeral expenses and ongoing living costs for the family.