Body camera footage has been released showing the moment a former California deputy sheriff was shot by police after he fatally stabbed his 11-year-old son. The dramatic scenes unfolded as authorities attempted to apprehend Marvin Morales, who fled the scene of the crime.
The video, shared by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, captures Morales trying to escape from a police officer on December 2, shortly after the tragic incident. According to reports, this all began with a stabbing at his home.
Morales, aged 40, had been with the sheriff’s department since 2017 and was terminated in February 2024 due to misconduct, according to a spokesperson.
His issues reportedly began in October 2023, when he was suspected of overdosing on fentanyl after an encounter with an individual he had detained at a police station.
Following this, he disclosed to investigators that he was struggling with mental health challenges and had suicidal thoughts, which resulted in his firing after an internal probe.
Things took a darker turn last month in Elk Grove, when police received an emergency call about a boy who had suffered multiple stab wounds. It was soon determined that his father, Morales, was likely responsible.
A six-year-old was also found at the residence but thankfully did not sustain any injuries.
The police soon discovered that Mr. Morales’ gun safe had been emptied, and several firearms registered to him were missing. Unfortunately, they later learned of the tragic death of his 11-year-old son.
Authorities spotted Morales’ vehicle on Interstate 5 around 9:30 a.m., leading to a high-speed pursuit.
The chase took a violent turn as Morales lost control of his car, causing it to crash and come to a stop near a tree.
Officers urged him to exit the vehicle and drop any weapons present. At one point, Morales appeared to hold something but ended up dropping it. He, however, returned to his car, prompting more urgent calls from the officers to comply.
A series of gunshots rang out moments later, and Morales was seen collapsing beside his vehicle.
Emergency services later pronounced him dead at a nearby hospital. The motives behind his actions, including the tragic death of his son, are still under investigation by the California Department of Justice.
