A 48-year-old woman was charged with murdering her 11-year-old son in Santa Ana on Friday.
Saritha Ramaraju faces one count of murder with an enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon.
She was scheduled for arraignment in the Santa Ana jail courtroom.
Although her last known address was in Irvine, police said she had been living in Virginia.
This is according to recent court documents related to her custody dispute for her son.
Ramaraju called police around 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday from the La Quinta Inn at 2721 Hotel Terrace, near the 55 Freeway.
Officer Natalie Garcia of the Santa Ana Police Department said the mother reported killing her son, Yatin Ramaraju.
She then claimed she had taken drugs, prompting officers to take her to the hospital.
Ramaraju was treated, released, and booked on suspicion of murder.
Inside the motel room, officers found Yatin with multiple stab wounds, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities noted Ramaraju had been staying at the motel for a couple of weeks.
Yatin had been a student in the Irvine Unified School District, according to his father.
Although Irvine officials confirmed he was last enrolled in the Tustin Unified School District.
Ramaraju had been in a custody battle with her ex-husband, Prakash Raju, since last year.
She accused him of making medical and educational decisions without her involvement.
Ramaraju also alleged he had substance abuse problems.
Raju had pled guilty to a DUI in 2023, and his blood alcohol level at the time was .25, more than three times the legal limit.
The couple divorced in January 2018, and Ramaraju was granted visitation rights, while Raju retained custody.
Last year, Ramaraju sought custody of their son, and they were ordered to attend mediation.
She had been living in Virginia and wanted her son to stay with her for the holidays.
However, Raju changed his mind after initially agreeing and insisted Yatin stay in California.
Ramaraju accused Raju of not providing information about a recent hospital visit.
She also accused him of Yatin’s school without informing her.
She also alleged he had a history of substance abuse.
Ramaraju also alleged that Yatin was afraid to speak to her due to his father’s behavior.
Raju denied all accusations of substance abuse, saying that Ramaraju’s claims were false.
He also defended his role as a parent, highlighting his efforts to provide a stable environment for Yatin in Orange County.
He noted that after a summer visit to Virginia, Ramaraju had kept Yatin longer than agreed.
He stated that she attempted to register him for school there without permission.
Despite the couple’s ongoing conflict, Ramaraju was granted visitation rights.
According to NBClosangeles, it will be during the spring break, from Friday to Wednesday at 6 p.m.