Houston:- A 50-year-old Indian-origin motel manager in Texas, was beheaded in front of his wife and son after an argument over a washing machine. Police have arrested a suspected co-worker with a criminal record and charged him with murder. The incident reportedly took place at the Downtown Suites Motel in Dallas on Wednesday morning.
According to the Dallas Police Department, Chandra Mauli “Bob” Nagmalaiah, a native of Karnataka, was killed after an argument with his co-worker, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, over a broken washing machine. Police say Cobos-Martinez, 37, allegedly became angry when Nagmalaiah asked someone else to translate his instructions instead of addressing him directly.
CCTV footage shows Cobos-Martinez attacking Nagmalaiah with a knife. The victim ran to the motel office, where his wife and 18-year-old son were present. The suspect chased him and attacked him despite being stopped by family members.
Cobos-Martinez, who has a prior criminal record in Houston, including arrests for auto theft and assault, is currently being held without bail by police. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
A fundraiser has been set up to help pay for the funeral, the victim’s family’s living expenses and their son’s college education. Nagmalaiah’s funeral will be held on Saturday.