Indian-Origin Mother Charged with Murdering Son After Disneyland Trip

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Saritha Ramaraju, a 48-year-old Indian-origin woman, has been charged with the murder of her 11-year-old son, Yatin Ramaraju, following a vacation to Disneyland in California. According to the Orange County District Attorney's Office, Ramaraju allegedly slit her son's throat during a custody visit, leading to a felony murder charge and a personal use enhancement for the knife involved. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life.

The tragic incident occurred on March 19, 2025, at a Santa Ana motel where Ramaraju was staying with her son. On the day they were to check out and return Yatin to his father, she contacted authorities at 9:12 a.m. to report the crime and her intent to harm herself. Police found the boy deceased, surrounded by Disneyland memorabilia, suggesting he had been dead for hours prior to the call. A large kitchen knife, purchased the previous day, was recovered from the scene.

Ramaraju's custody battle with her ex-husband, Prakash Raju, who alleged her unfounded accusations of his substance abuse, has been ongoing since their 2018 divorce.

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