• Saritha Ramaraju, 48, faces murder charges after her son was found dead in a motel room following a Disneyland visit.
• The boy had allegedly been killed using a kitchen knife during a custody visit meant to facilitate bonding.
• District Attorney Todd Spitzer stated the case highlights the dangers of parental anger overshadowing a child's welfare.
• Ramaraju is being held without bail and faces 26 years to life in prison if convicted.
• The tragedy continues to raise awareness regarding domestic disputes affecting child safety.

In a tragic turn of events, Saritha Ramaraju, a 48-year-old Indian-origin woman, has been charged with the murder of her 11-year-old son in Santa Ana, California, just days after a family trip to Disneyland. Authorities reported that the boy was found deceased in their motel room, having suffered fatal injuries inflicted with a kitchen knife.

The incident unfolded on March 19 when Ramaraju called emergency services to confess to the killing and reportedly attempted suicide by taking pills. Police arrived at their La Quinta Inn motel room to find the child surrounded by Disneyland souvenirs, suggesting he had been dead for several hours before the emergency call was made. According to the Orange County District Attorney's Office, the mother has been charged with one felony count of murder and an enhancement for the use of a weapon.

Alluding to the nature of the horrific event, District Attorney Todd Spitzer stated, “The life of a child should not hang in the balance between two parents whose anger for each other outweighs their love for their child.” Ramaraju is currently being held without bail, with her next court appearance set for April 17, where she faces a potential sentence of 26 years to life if convicted.

Background reports indicate that Ramaraju had moved out-of-state following a divorce from her son's father in 2018. As part of their ongoing custody battle, she had been visiting her son for this trip. She allegedly claimed her ex-husband made unilateral decisions regarding their child’s care.

This tragic case highlights significant issues surrounding parental disputes and has ignited dialogues on the protection of children's welfare amidst familial discord. The investigation continues as the community reels from this unimaginable loss. For more information, visit Times of India.