A heartbreaking incident has come to light from Santa Ana city of California, USA. Here a 48-year-old Indian-origin woman Saritha Ramaraju brutally murdered her own 11-year-old son. Know the complete news? 
America Crime News:-A shocking and heartbreaking incident has come to light from Santa Ana, California, where an Indian-origin woman, Saritha Ramaraju, killed her 11-year-old son, Yatin. The murder took place after a custody visit following their Disneyland vacation. Reports suggest that the 48-year-old mother slit her son’s throat in a hotel room before calling emergency services and confessing to the crime.
A Mother’s Love Turned Into Horror
Saritha Ramaraju had checked into La Quinta Inn in Santa Ana with her son Yatin for a court-approved custody visit. According to officials, she had planned a three-day vacation to Disneyland with her son before returning him to his father, Prakash Raju, on March 19, 2025. However, instead of a happy reunion, the day ended in a gruesome crime.
On the morning of March 19, at 9:12 AM, Ramaraju called 911 and confessed that she had killed her son and had also attempted suicide by consuming pills. When police arrived at the scene, they found Yatin lying lifeless on the hotel bed, surrounded by Disneyland souvenirs. A kitchen knife, allegedly used in the murder, was also recovered from the room. Reports indicate that the knife was purchased just a day before the crime.
Authorities confirmed that Yatin had been dead for several hours before the 911 call. His cause of death was determined to be severe neck injuries caused by a sharp weapon.
Why Did She Kill Her Own Son?
Investigations have revealed that Ramaraju and her ex-husband, Prakash Raju, had been in a bitter custody battle for over a year. The couple, originally from Bengaluru, India, had divorced in 2018, and Prakash had been granted full custody of Yatin, while Saritha was given visitation rights.
Saritha had reportedly accused Prakash of making unilateral decisions regarding Yatin’s education and healthcare. She had also alleged that he had substance abuse issues, making him unfit to raise their son. However, despite her repeated appeals, the court had ruled in favor of Prakash.
Experts believe that her frustration over losing the custody battle might have driven her to commit the unthinkable act.
Legal Consequences: What Happens Next?
Following the murder, Saritha Ramaraju was arrested on March 21 and has been charged with:
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First-degree murder (for killing her son)
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Use of a deadly weapon (for using a knife in the crime)
If found guilty, she could face a minimum of 26 years in prison or even life imprisonment under California law.
District Attorney’s Statement
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer expressed deep sorrow and anger over the incident. He stated:
“A child’s life should never be put at risk because of the anger between two parents. In moments of frustration, a parent should remember their love and responsibility towards their child. Instead of embracing her son with love, she took his life with cruelty. She erased him from the world she had brought him into.”
A Child Lost to Custody Disputes
Yatin Ramraju was just 11 years old, a child who deserved love, care, and a bright future. But instead, he became a victim of a parental dispute that turned deadly. The incident has left many people questioning the mental and emotional impact of custody battles on parents and children alike.
This case serves as a tragic reminder of how unresolved conflicts and emotional distress can lead to devastating consequences.