Former deputy chief dies after police chase, accused of killing 11-year-old son
A former Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office deputy who allegedly killed his 11-year-old son and then led authorities on a highway chase was fatally shot Tuesday, officials said.
According to an Elk Grove Police Department news release, around 8 a.m., the Elk Grove Police Department Communications Center received a call from a woman who was concerned about her two children, who were home alone with their father.
The woman saw her son on home surveillance video lying unresponsive on the ground, according to the release.
Police said officers arrived in the 7600 block of Ferrell Way and found an 11-year-old boy suffering from multiple stab wounds. Authorities attempted to save the boy’s life before he was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.
The suspect’s father, Marvin Morales, 40, is a former deputy with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, according to the release. Morales left the scene before police arrived.
The 6-year-old girl, believed to be Morales’ daughter, was evaluated at a local hospital and released to her mother, police said.
Other law enforcement agencies were given Morales’ vehicle description and were spotted traveling on southbound Interstate 5 near Pocket Road, according to the release. Morales led police on a chase that ended in a shootout with police near Interstate 5 and Highway 12.
Morales was shot and pronounced dead at a local hospital, officials said. The 11-year-old boy’s name has not yet been released and will be officially confirmed by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office.
The Elk Grove Police Department’s Bureau of Investigation is investigating the boy’s homicide, while the California Highway Patrol is investigating the pursuit and officer-involved shooting, according to the release.
The Elk Grove Police Department detective involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, per Elk Grove Police Department policy.
Morales was fired last year after an investigation found he lied about using drugs confiscated from people, according to Sheriff’s Department documents. According to officials, Morales overdosed on a drug he thought was methamphetamine but turned out to be fentanyl. Deputies had to administer naloxone to save Morales’ life, documents show.
