California Mother Charged with Murder of Son During Custody Visit

Saritha Ramaraju, 48, confessed to fatally stabbing her 11-year-old son, Yatin Ramaraju, at a Santa Ana hotel and faces multiple charges as investigators seek a motive.

• Saritha Ramaraju was arrested after calling 911 to confess to stabbing her son, Yatin Ramaraju, to death at a La Quinta Inn in Santa Ana on March 19, 2025.
• The 11-year-old boy was found with multiple stab wounds on a bed in the hotel room and was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.
• Ramaraju was hospitalized after ingesting nearly 25 over-the-counter pills in an apparent suicide attempt and was later charged with murder, torture, child endangerment, and aggravated mayhem.
• The killing took place during a custody visit while Yatin was on spring break; his father, who had full custody, had arranged for him to return later that day.
• Authorities continue to investigate the case, with no clear motive established, as the local community mourns the tragedy with a makeshift memorial outside the hotel.

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