Elk Grove, CA — Authorities in Elk Grove, a suburban community near Sacramento, say a tragic chain of events began Tuesday morning when a distraught mother contacted police around 8 a.m. after seeing alarming home-security footage showing her children’s father violently attacking their 11-year-old son. The woman told dispatchers she feared for the safety of both her children and urgently needed help.
When officers arrived at the home, they discovered the boy suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, the child tragically died from his injuries. His 6-year-old sister, who was also inside the home at the time of the attack, was found physically unharmed.
Suspect Flees and Statewide Alert Issued
Police quickly identified the children’s father as the prime suspect. Officials say he fleeing the residence shortly before officers arrived. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office issued a statewide alert, and the suspect’s vehicle was soon spotted traveling south on Interstate 5, prompting multiple agencies to join the pursuit.
The suspect, later confirmed as 40-year-old Marvin Morales, continued southbound as law enforcement trailed him. Morales was a former Sacramento County sheriff’s deputy, adding another disturbing layer to the unfolding tragedy.
Pursuit Ends in Crash and Deadly Confrontation
The chase intensified until the California Highway Patrol (CHP) deployed a spike strip near Lodi, successfully deflating the tires of Morales’ vehicle and forcing it off the roadway. After the crash, officers approached the car, but the situation escalated rapidly.
According to authorities, Morales was shot by law enforcement shortly after the crash. It remains unclear whether Morales was armed during the confrontation or if he fired at officers. Officials stated that a gun safe inside his home was found empty, but they have not confirmed whether a firearm was recovered at the crash site.
Following the shooting, Morales was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, as per The Post.
Former Deputy with Troubled History
The Elk Grove Police Department confirmed that the deceased suspect was Marvin Morales, who had once served as a Sacramento County sheriff’s deputy. He was terminated in February 2024 after being caught using illegal drugs, according to Sheriff’s Sgt. Amar Gandhi.
Officials say that at least two deputies from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office were involved in Tuesday’s officer-involved shooting. The Elk Grove Police Department also confirmed that one of their officers fired their weapon during the confrontation.
No officers or deputies were injured during the pursuit or subsequent shooting.
Investigation Continues
Authorities say it has not yet been determined whether Morales discharged a weapon during the encounter. The empty gun safe at his home has added to investigators’ concerns, though they have not publicly disclosed whether any firearm was recovered from the crash site.
The case is now being examined by multiple agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, and an independent investigative team that handles officer-involved shootings. Detectives are reviewing body-camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing evidence from both the family’s home and the crash scene.
Officials emphasize that the investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to be released as the case progresses.
Community in Shock
The attack and subsequent chase have left residents of Elk Grove and Sacramento County shaken. Neighbors have described Morales as quiet but troubled in recent years, though police have not released any specifics about potential prior incidents involving the family.
The Elk Grove Police Department has offered condolences to the grieving family and has encouraged community members to seek support services if needed.
What Are Your Thoughts?
How do you feel about the circumstances leading to this tragedy and the actions taken by law enforcement? Share your thoughts in the comments — the community wants to hear from you.
