Sun Mar 23 06:20:41 UTC 2025: ## Indian-American Mother Charged with Murdering Son After Disneyland Trip
**Santa Ana, CA –** Saritha Ramaraju, a 48-year-old Indian-American woman, has been charged with the murder of her 11-year-old son, Yatin Ramaraju. Police say Ramaraju slit her son’s throat at a Santa Ana motel following a three-day Disneyland trip, part of a court-ordered custody visit.
Ramaraju called 911 on March 19th to report the killing and a subsequent suicide attempt. Police arrived to find the boy dead in the motel room, surrounded by Disneyland souvenirs. A large kitchen knife, purchased the day before, was recovered from the scene. Ramaraju was hospitalized but later arrested.
The Orange County District Attorney, Todd Spitzer, condemned the act, stating that “the safest place for a child should be in their parents’ arms.” He highlighted the tragic consequences of parental conflict overshadowing the well-being of their child.
The incident follows a long-standing custody battle between Ramaraju and her ex-husband, Prakash Raju. Court documents reveal accusations of substance abuse and controlling behavior from both parents. While Ramaraju had accused Raju of substance abuse and controlling behavior, Raju countered her claims as false. Custody was granted to Raju following their 2018 divorce, with Ramaraju receiving visitation rights. Ramaraju, who resided in Virginia, had reportedly sought to have her son live with her.
Ramaraju faces 26 years to life in prison if convicted on the murder charge and the felony enhancement for using a weapon. The case highlights the devastating consequences of acrimonious custody disputes and underscores the need for prioritizing children’s safety and well-being above parental conflict.
First Piper 