Daijiworld Media Network – California

California, Mar 23: A custody visit turned into a horrific tragedy as an Indian-origin woman, Saritha Ramaraju, 48, was charged with the murder of her 11-year-old son after a three-day vacation to Disneyland.

Authorities in Orange County, California, revealed that Ramaraju fatally slit her son’s throat in a motel room on March 19, the day she was supposed to return him to his father. She then called 911, confessing to the crime and attempting to take her own life by ingesting an unknown substance.

Police arrived to find the boy dead on the bed, surrounded by Disneyland souvenirs. Investigators later discovered that Ramaraju had purchased the large kitchen knife used in the crime the day before.

Ramaraju, who had moved to Virginia after divorcing her husband in 2018, had been engaged in a legal battle for custody. Court documents indicate she had accused her ex-husband of substance abuse and controlling behavior, while he denied all allegations.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “A child should never be caught in the crossfire of parental disputes.”

Ramaraju, now facing murder charges with a potential sentence of 26 years to life, was arrested after being discharged from the hospital. The case has sent shockwaves through the Indian-American community, highlighting the devastating impact of custody conflicts.