Mom Allegedly Kills 11-Year-Old Son After Disneyland Trip.

Disturbing footage has emerged showing the moment a mother was arrested with blood on her hands after allegedly murdering her 11-year-old son during a court-ordered custody visit following a Disneyland trip.

Saritha Ramaraju, 48, was taken into custody after she called 911 to report she had killed her son, Yatin Ramaraju, and had ingested pills in an apparent attempt to end her own life.

The arrest happened on March 19 at the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Santa Ana, California, where she was staying with her son during a three-day visit.

Disneyland Park | Disneyland Resort

Harrowing Scene and Bodycam Footage

Santa Ana police responded after Ramaraju's chilling 911 call. Bodycam footage shows her walking out of her motel room in a dazed, zombie-like state. Officers had their weapons drawn.

Wearing a polka dot sweater and still holding her phone to her ear, Ramaraju took slow steps toward police and offered no resistance as she was handcuffed.

“She has blood on her hands,” one officer is heard telling others.

The boy’s body was found on the motel bed with his throat slashed and multiple stab wounds. Surrounding him were souvenirs from their Disneyland trip.

Investigators later discovered Ramaraju had purchased the large kitchen knife used in the attack just a day earlier.

Custody Visit Ends in Tragedy

The trip to Disneyland had been part of a court-ordered visitation. Ramaraju and her ex-husband, Prakash Raju, had divorced in 2018 following what court documents described as a "contentious" split.

Yatin lived in Orange County with his father. His mother had moved to Fairfax, Virginia, and had limited visitation rights.

The murder occurred on the day she was due to return her son to his father. Prosecutors believe the boy had been dead for several hours before Ramaraju made the 911 call.

Legal Proceedings and Possible Charges

Ramaraju was initially taken to the hospital after ingesting an unknown substance. She has since been formally charged with:

• One felony count of murder

• One felony enhancement for personal use of a weapon

She is being held without bond and could face 26 years to life in prison if convicted. Orange County officials have not ruled out seeking the death penalty if charges are upgraded.

"Instead of wrapping her arms around her son in love, she slit his throat," said DA Todd Spitzer. "The life of a child should not hang in the balance between two parents whose anger outweighs their love for their child."

A Deeper Layer: The Psychology Behind the Tragedy

Cases like this raise painful but necessary questions about mental health in family court settings, especially during contentious custody battles. The psychological pressure of long-term disputes, compounded by perceived helplessness and isolation, can drive individuals to irrational and violent extremes.

Legal experts say this case could spark calls for psychological evaluations to be made more frequent during custody disputes—particularly when red flags, such as claims of parental alienation or emotional instability, arise.

As the legal process moves forward, prosecutors are expected to scrutinize Ramaraju’s state of mind, previous custody filings, and possible mental health history. Experts note that while the law must provide justice for victims, it must also understand what drives such deeply tragic outcomes—and how to prevent them.

People Also Ask (FAQ)

Who is Saritha Ramaraju?
She is a 48-year-old mother charged with murdering her 11-year-old son during a court-ordered visit in California.

What happened to Yatin Ramaraju?
Yatin was found dead in a motel room with multiple stab wounds and his throat slashed, hours after a Disneyland trip with his mother.

Was Saritha Ramaraju arrested?
Yes. She called 911 to report the crime, was arrested at the scene, and is currently being held without bond.

What charges is she facing?
She faces one count of murder and a felony enhancement for use of a weapon. The case may become eligible for the death penalty.

Where was the murder committed?
At the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Santa Ana, California, on March 19, 2025.

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