Santa Ana, California— In a deeply disturbing case, 48-year-old Saritha Ramaraju has been charged with the murder of her 11-year-old son, Yatin, following a three-day trip to Disneyland. The killing reportedly occurred during a custody visit as part of a long-standing legal dispute with her ex-husband.
Key Facts:
- On March 19, 2025, Ramaraju called 911 around 9:12 a.m., saying she had killed her son and attempted suicide.
- Police found the boy’s body on a motel bed, with Disneyland souvenirs around him and a large kitchen knife nearby.
- Ramaraju is charged with murder and use of a deadly weapon; if convicted, she could face 26 years to life in prison.
The incident unfolded after Ramaraju took her son on a short vacation to Disneyland during her court-approved visitation period. They stayed at a motel in Santa Ana.
On the morning he was to be returned to his father, she contacted emergency services and admitted to killing her son and consuming pills in a suicide attempt. Responders found her conscious but disoriented at the scene.
The local community is in shock, with many expressing horror and sadness over the case. Authorities described it as a heartbreaking betrayal of parental trust.
One official remarked, “The safest place for a child should be in their parents' arms. Instead of wrapping her arms around her son in love, she slit his throat and removed him from the very world she brought him into.”
This tragedy highlights the emotional and psychological strain that can emerge from contentious custody battles. It raises questions about how family courts handle visitation rights in high-conflict divorces and whether additional safeguards are needed for child welfare during such visits.
Ramaraju and her ex-husband divorced in 2018. The father was granted custody, and she had limited visitation rights. The custody battle reportedly intensified in recent years, with allegations from both sides regarding parenting and substance abuse.
Do You Know?
Disneyland, which opened in 1955 in Anaheim, California, was the first-ever theme park of its kind. It’s often dubbed “The Happiest Place on Earth,” but has also been the site of multiple high-profile incidents involving visitors over the years.
Key Terms:
- Custody Visit: A scheduled time when a non-custodial parent is legally allowed to spend time with their child.
- Felony Enhancement: An additional legal factor that increases the severity of charges, such as using a weapon.
- Motel: A type of lodging often located near highways, usually offering short-term stays.
- Visitation Rights: Legal rights granted to a non-custodial parent to visit their child under specified terms.