Dallas, 13 Sept

The family of Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, the Indian-origin motel manager brutally beheaded earlier this week, will hold his funeral on Saturday at 2 pm (local time) at Flower Mound Family Funeral Home in Flower Mound, Texas. A fundraiser launched for Nagamallaiah’s wife, Nisha, and son, Gaurav — who witnessed the attack — has raised nearly $200,000 (approx. Rs 1,76,54,697) to cover funeral expenses and Gaurav’s college education.

Nagamallaiah, 50, was killed at the Downtown Suites motel by co-worker Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, 37, a Cuban national with a violent criminal history. Authorities said Cobos-Martinez had been released from ICE custody earlier this year after Cuba refused his deportation.

Homeland Security also said that the accused has a rap sheet with several crimes, including child sex abuse, grand theft of a motor vehicle, false imprisonment and carjacking. They said that after the murder, Martinez kicked the head of the victim around “like a soccer ball.”

Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the case highlights “policy gaps that allow dangerous offenders to remain in the US despite removal orders.” However, Cobos-Martinez is now set to be deported to Cuba. 

The Consulate General of India in Houston said it is closely monitoring the case. Consul General DC Manjunath confirmed contact with the family and local authorities.

Indian-American groups expressed shock. SEWA International pledged support, while the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America demanded a national inquiry into rising violence. Indiaspora called the act “horrific” and urged dignity and safety for all.

Dallas Police confirmed the killing was captured on CCTV.