An 11-year-old boy was tragically found dead in a hotel room in Santa Ana, California, leading to the arrest of his mother, Saritha Ramaraju. The incident occurred on March 19, 2025, just hours after the pair returned from a three-day trip to Disneyland. Ramaraju, 48, is now facing serious charges, including one count of murder and an enhancement for the personal use of a weapon.
Authorities reported that the boy was discovered in the hotel room with a severe injury to his throat, which had been cut with a kitchen knife. The room was filled with souvenirs from their Disneyland visit, highlighting the stark contrast between the joy of their trip and the tragedy that unfolded shortly after.
Ramaraju called the police around 9:12 a.m., claiming she had harmed her son and attempted to take her own life by consuming pills. When officers arrived, they found the boy unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Ramaraju was taken to a hospital for treatment and later arrested.
The knife believed to be used in the attack was found at the scene and had been purchased the day before, according to the district attorney’s office. Prosecutors have stated that if Ramaraju is convicted, she could face a sentence ranging from 26 years to life in prison.
Ramaraju did not enter a plea during her arraignment and is currently being held without bail. She is scheduled to appear in court again on April 17. The case has raised concerns about child safety, with Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer expressing deep sorrow over the incident. He emphasized that a child should feel safe in their parent’s care, not in danger.
The boy was set to reunite with his father on the day he was found, adding another layer of heartbreak to this already devastating situation. The community is left reeling as they grapple with the loss of a young life and the circumstances surrounding it.