In a tragic turn of events, a former California police officer, previously dismissed from duty for misconduct, is now at the center of a harrowing incident involving the death of his young son. On a fateful Tuesday, ex-Sacramento County deputy Marvin Morales allegedly took the life of his 11-year-old son, Mar Aris Untalan Morales, in a stabbing attack at their Elk Grove residence. A 6-year-old girl, also present at the home, was found unharmed. The boy’s mother, at her workplace, discovered the devastating scene through home surveillance footage, capturing her son’s unresponsive state.

Following this horrific act, Marvin Morales is said to have engaged in a high-speed pursuit with law enforcement officers. This chase unfolded on Interstate 5, as officers attempted to intercept him. The pursuit concluded in San Joaquin County when Morales’s vehicle crashed, resulting in a confrontation with police officers that ended with him being fatally shot, as reported by The Sacramento Bee.

Morales’s departure from the Sacramento County Police Department occurred in February 2024, following significant internal scrutiny. Internal affairs had recommended his termination a month prior, leading to his resignation. This decision was a culmination of events dating back to October 2023, when Morales faced allegations related to drug misconduct.

In the previous year, Morales had stopped an individual at a Shell gas station, confiscating narcotics that later tested positive for fentanyl. The man initially claimed to be using methamphetamine. Morales, who reportedly had prior interactions with the man and was aware of his drug use, stated his suspicion that the substances included fentanyl. The former deputy admitted to using these seized drugs at the Central Division station, resulting in an overdose. His colleagues administered naloxone to revive him during the incident.

Months earlier, in October 2023, Marvin Morales stopped a man at a Shell gas station and confiscated drugs which later tested positive for fentanyl. The man claimed he was smoking methamphetamine. The then-deputy allegedly told investigators that he had prior contact with the man, and knew he was a drug user.

According to the Sacramento Bee, Marvin Morales said he suspected the drugs were mixed with fentanyl. He allegedly confessed to using the confiscated drugs at the police’s Central Division station. Deputies who found him overdosing administered naloxone.

Marvin Morales survived and was hospitalized following the October 2023 incident. He reportedly told investigators that he intended to use the drugs to fatally overdose. He also revealed that he had smoked methamphetamine three or four times before the incident — claiming that it provided a “hit of energy” as he held off completing investigation reports.

However, internal investigators said a drug test suggested Marvin Morales was a lifelong and chronic drug user.

Elk Grove police declined to say what was found in Marvin Morales’ car following Tuesday’s murder and shooting. Though, they mentioned that the gun safe at his home was empty, according to KCRA.

Tuesday’s incident remains under investigation.

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.

Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most — your children.

[Feature Photo: Sacramento County police]