Mom Takes Son to Disneyland, Then Slits His Throat in Custody Visit
Mom Accused of Killing 11-Year-Old Son After Disneyland Trip
An 11-year-old boy’s visit to Disneyland with his mother ended in tragedy when his body was discovered in a motel room, surrounded by souvenirs from the theme park. The child was supposed to be returned to his father that same day.
On Friday, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office announced charges against 48-year-old Saritha Ramaraju, who is now facing one felony count of murder along with a felony enhancement for the personal use of a knife. Additionally, she was charged with child endangerment, torture, and aggravated mayhem at the time of her arrest.
Authorities allege that what was meant to be a custody visit turned into a horrifying crime, leaving the community in shock. The investigation is ongoing as prosecutors prepare their case against Ramaraju.
Mom Allegedly Killed 11-Year-Old Son in Motel Room After Disneyland Trip
A California mother is accused of brutally killing her 11-year-old son during a custody visit, just hours before she was supposed to return him to his father. Prosecutors say 48-year-old Saritha Ramaraju slit the boy’s throat in their motel room at a La Quinta Inn in Santa Ana, California, after spending three days at Disneyland together.
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Ramaraju had purchased multi-day Disneyland passes for the visit. However, on Wednesday—the day she was scheduled to return her son and check out—she instead spent the morning killing him.
Authorities say Ramaraju herself called 911, telling dispatchers she had “stabbed and killed her son” and had also “taken pills trying to kill herself.” Bodycam footage from FOX 11 captured the moment police arrived, showing her walking out of the room while on the phone. As officers placed her in handcuffs, one was heard saying, “She has blood on her hand.”
Inside the room, police found the boy’s body lying on the bed, surrounded by Disneyland souvenirs. Investigators also recovered a large kitchen knife, which had been purchased the day before. Prosecutors believe the child had been dead for several hours before Ramaraju called 911.
After being hospitalized for evaluation, Ramaraju was released and formally arrested on Thursday. She has been charged with murder, along with felony enhancements for the personal use of a knife, child endangerment, torture, and aggravated mayhem. If convicted on all counts, she faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in prison.
Mom Takes Son to Disneyland, Then Slits His Throat in Custody Visit
