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Mom Arrested After Allegedly Fatally Stabbing Son Following Disneyland Trip
Disturbing bodycam footage has surfaced depicting the arrest of a mother with blood visible on her hands. Saritha Ramaraju, 48, is accused of fatally stabbing her 11-year-old son after a visit to Disneyland. The incident occurred on the day she was scheduled to return the child to his father after a court-ordered custody visit. This crime has shocked the community, raising questions about family safety and child welfare. Authorities are investigating the tragic death in Santa Ana, California.
Police Bodycam Captures Arrest Scene
Harrowing police body camera footage reveals Ramaraju in a dazed state as she exits her motel room to face officers with drawn weapons. Holding a phone to her ear and dressed in a polka dot sweater, she slowly walks towards the police. She offered no resistance as officers placed her in handcuffs.
“She has blood on her hands,” an officer can be heard telling colleagues as they secured the unresponsive woman.
Following her arrest, Ramaraju was transported to a hospital as a precautionary measure after she reportedly told authorities about ingesting an undisclosed substance.
Son Found Deceased in Motel Room
The victim, identified as Yatin Ramaraju, was discovered inside a room at the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Santa Ana on March 19. He was found with a slashed throat and multiple stab wounds to his body.
Kimberly Edds, spokesperson for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, stated that the child was with his mother for a court-mandated visitation.
Tragic End to Disneyland Trip
According to officials, the young boy was seemingly enjoying his time, experiencing “every child’s dream of being at Disneyland” with his mother.
Edds further explained, “‘The day he was going to be returned to his father, instead she slit his throat and then hours later called 911 to report that she had killed her son and taken pills to kill herself.”
“When law enforcement arrived, they encountered a gruesome scene: this poor little boy with his throat cut on the bed, alongside souvenirs from Disneyland in the room,” she added.
Weapon Purchased Before Incident
Law enforcement believes Ramaraju purchased the knife, suspected to be the murder weapon, the day preceding the tragic event.
She is currently detained without bail, facing charges of murder and a felony enhancement for personal use of a weapon in the commission of the crime.
Potential for Death Penalty
Edds indicated that authorities investigating the death may consider upgrading the charges, potentially making them “death penalty eligible.”
Currently, the charges do not qualify for the death penalty. However, if convicted under the current charges, Ramaraju could face a life sentence.
Custody Battle Preceded Tragedy
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office revealed that Ramaraju had purchased three-day Disneyland passes for herself and her son as part of the custody arrangement.
Prosecutors stated that it appeared the child had been deceased for several hours before emergency responders arrived at the scene.
Reportedly, Ramaraju and her husband underwent a “contentious” divorce in 2018, after which she relocated out of state. Yatin resided in Orange County with his father.