A first-degree murder charge will be brought against the accused, the US president has said

US President Donald Trump speaks during a 9/11 observance event in Arlington, Virginia. © Getty Images

A Cuban national accused of beheading Indian-origin motel manager Chandra Mouli Nagamallaiah last week will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, US President Donald Trump said on Sunday.

Witnesses said Nagamallaiah was repeatedly stabbed and decapitated outside a motel in Dallas, Texas by Carlos Cobos-Martinez in front of his wife and son during a disagreement. The suspect is currently in police custody without the option of bail as he awaits trial.

“I am aware of the terrible reports regarding the murder of Chandra Nagamallaiah… by an ILLEGAL ALIEN from Cuba who should have never been in our Country,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “This criminal, who we have in custody, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law. He will be charged with murder in the first degree!”

According to Dallas County Jail records, Cobos-Martinez has been charged with capital murder. His immigration status is currently pending. He has a prior conviction in California and previous arrest records in Florida and Houston, Texas. 

 

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US Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported that Cobos-Martinez was released from custody on January 13, despite having a removal order, due to a determination that there was “no significant likelihood for removal in the foreseeable future.” 

Trump accused the administration of former US President Joe Biden of “incompetence” in handling the case, claiming the suspect was released back into the US under the Biden because Cuba did not want him back.

Reports suggest that the killer, an employee of the motel, was upset that Nagamallaiah did not speak directly to him and told another staff member to translate instructions.

The dispute allegedly started when Nagamallaiah instructed Cobos-Martinez not to use a broken washing machine, but instead asked a witness to translate his message.