Dallas County prosecutors have announced they will not seek the death penalty against Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, the 37-year-old man charged with capital murder in the killing of motel manager Chandra Nagamallaiah. The decision means that, if convicted, Cobos-Martinez could still face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, but execution will no longer be a sentencing option.
The case stems from the fatal attack on September 10, 2025, at the Downtown Suites motel on Samuell Boulevard in Dallas.
Prosecutors Remove Death Penalty as a Possible Sentence
According to court records filed in the 283rd Judicial District Court, the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office formally notified the court that it will not pursue capital punishment against Cobos-Martinez.
The filing does not provide a reason for the decision.
Although the death penalty has been removed from consideration, Cobos-Martinez continues to face a capital murder charge and remains in custody awaiting trial.
Motel Manager Killed During Workplace Dispute
Investigators say Chandra Nagamallaiah, 50, was working as the motel manager when the incident began.
According to the arrest affidavit, Nagamallaiah approached Cobos-Martinez and another employee and instructed them not to use a washing machine because it was broken. Authorities said the instruction was delivered through another employee acting as a translator, which allegedly angered Cobos-Martinez.
Police allege that Cobos-Martinez left the area, retrieved a machete, and returned before launching a violent attack on Nagamallaiah.
Victim Tried to Escape as Family Witnessed Attack
Authorities said Nagamallaiah attempted to flee toward the motel office while calling for help.
His wife and son, who were nearby, reportedly rushed to intervene. Investigators said both repeatedly tried to stop the assault but were pushed away during the attack.
According to witness statements, Nagamallaiah’s son also attempted to defend his father using a baseball bat.
Despite those efforts, police allege Cobos-Martinez continued the attack until Nagamallaiah died.
Surveillance Video Captured the Incident
Investigators said the assault and much of what followed were recorded by the motel’s surveillance cameras.
According to police, after the fatal attack, Cobos-Martinez allegedly moved the victim’s severed head into the motel parking lot before carrying it to a nearby dumpster.
Authorities also allege that he removed Nagamallaiah’s cellphone and motel key card from his pockets during the incident. Those items were later recovered from Cobos-Martinez when he was arrested.
The indictment states that the victim died from multiple sharp-force injuries inflicted with weapons including a machete, knife, and axe.
Capital Murder Charge Based on Alleged Robbery
Under Texas law, an intentional killing committed during the course of certain felonies, including robbery or attempted robbery, qualifies as capital murder.
Investigators allege Cobos-Martinez took property belonging to the victim during the attack, leading prosecutors to file the capital murder charge.
Arrested Near the Scene
Authorities said a Dallas Fire-Rescue crew spotted a man matching Cobos-Martinez’s description leaving the area while carrying a machete.
Firefighters followed him until Dallas police officers arrived and took him into custody.
Police reported that Cobos-Martinez was wearing clothing covered in blood at the time of his arrest and was found carrying a machete along with the victim’s cellphone and motel key card.
Investigators also stated that he later admitted to killing Nagamallaiah during an interview with detectives.
Cobos-Martinez has pleaded not guilty, and the allegations remain to be proven in court.
Criminal History Across Multiple States
Court records indicate Cobos-Martinez had an extensive criminal history before his arrest in the Dallas homicide case.
According to authorities:
- In 2017, he was arrested in Florida in connection with the alleged theft of a Mercedes-Benz. That felony grand theft charge was later dismissed.
- Later that year in California, police accused him of attempting to take a woman’s BMW while she was still inside the vehicle. Authorities alleged he pulled the woman by her hair and clothing before attempting to drive away. Bystanders intervened before police arrived.
- He was charged with carjacking and false imprisonment. A jury later acquitted him of carjacking but convicted him of felony false imprisonment, and he was placed on probation in 2023.
- After leaving California while his case remained pending, he was later arrested in Texas.
- In 2018, he was arrested in Harris County on an indecency-with-a-child charge involving a 14-year-old girl. Prosecutors later dismissed that case due to insufficient evidence.
- While jailed, authorities accused him of assaulting a jailer. He later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and received a one-year sentence with credit for time already served.
- He was later arrested as a fugitive from justice after leaving California during probation.
Immigration Status
Federal immigration authorities stated Cobos-Martinez was living in the United States illegally and was subject to a final order of removal.
Officials said he remained in the country because Cuba would not accept his return due to his criminal history.
After spending time in federal immigration custody at the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Texas, he was released under an order of supervision on January 13, 2025, despite having a felony conviction and multiple prior arrests.
Following his arrest in the Dallas homicide case, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed another immigration detainer on him.
Victim Remembered by Family
Friends and relatives remembered Chandra Nagamallaiah, known to many as “Bob,” as a devoted husband and father.
Originally from India, Nagamallaiah moved to the United States to build a career in the hospitality industry before eventually settling in Texas, where he managed the Downtown Suites motel.
His family said he was dedicated to both his work and his loved ones. His son, who had recently graduated from high school before the incident, had reportedly planned to follow his father into the hospitality business.
Case Continues
Cobos-Martinez remains in custody as the capital murder case moves through the Dallas County court system.
Although prosecutors have ruled out seeking the death penalty, he still faces the possibility of life in prison without parole if convicted. No trial date has been announced.
