A California mother is grappling with the devastating loss of her 11-year-old son, a tragedy she discovered through the lens of a home security camera.

On December 2, a confrontation turned deadly when former Sacramento County sheriff’s deputy, Marvin Morales, was fatally shot by officers from various law enforcement agencies after a tense highway chase.

According to a statement from the Elk Grove Police Department, the incident began earlier that day when a distressed mother contacted their Communications Center. She had observed unsettling footage from a surveillance camera in her home.

In the footage, her son appeared unresponsive and was seen lying on the floor. At the time, Morales had been in charge of taking care of the boy—whose identity is presently withheld—and his 6-year-old sister, as detailed in the official report.

First responders quickly arrived and performed life-saving procedures before rushing the boy to the hospital. Morales, however, fled the scene before police could apprehend him. Authorities confirmed that the little girl was taken to the hospital for evaluation and has since been safely reunited with her mother.

After Morales, 40, was identified as a suspect, Elk Grove PD broadcasted his vehicle description, leading to multiple sightings by law enforcement and an ensuing pursuit, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office’s statement. 

Near Interstate 5 and Highway 12, two Sacramento County sheriff’s deputies—along with officers from other agencies, including one Elk Grove PD detective—fired at Morales, who was struck and later pronounced dead at a local hospital, per the office’s account. 

No law enforcement personnel were reportedly injured during the shootout. 

“The Elk Grove Police Department Investigations Bureau is leading the Ferrell Way homicide investigation,” the department shared in its statement. “The California Highway Patrol is investigating the pursuit and officer-involved shooting. Per Elk Grove Police Department policy and standard procedure, the detective involved has been placed on paid administrative leave.”

Morales’ employment with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department was terminated in Feb. 2024, following an internal affairs investigation surrounding allegations that he overdosed on fentanyl, according to KCRA’s reporting at the time.