ANGLETON, Texas — A heartbreaking incident on Saturday morning has left a community reeling after a mother reportedly shot her four children, resulting in the deaths of the oldest and youngest. Oninda Romelus, 31, is now facing multiple charges, including two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Authorities responded rapidly to a 911 call that led them to a gas station in Angleton around 4:45 a.m. Upon arrival, deputies found Romelus in a white vehicle with its doors wide open, where they discovered the four children, ages 3, 8, 9, and 13. Tragically, the 3-year-old and 13-year-old were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two children were transported to a Houston hospital with critical injuries.
According to court documents, the scene was chaotic. First responders encountered one child in a severely injured state, prompting immediate medical assistance. Surveillance footage revealed Romelus at the gas station earlier that morning, filling up her vehicle as events unfolded.
The surviving children were airlifted to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. Their current health status remains undisclosed, but officials emphasize ongoing efforts to support their recovery.
After being read her rights, Romelus initially showed signs of paranoia and hesitated to answer police questions. However, she later allegedly confessed to the shooting, expressing fears for her safety and making unsettling comments regarding her children, who she claimed were “with the devil now.”
Romelus’s statements during the police interview further raised concerns, as she described her children as already “dead to her” and suggested she felt compelled to act against them for reasons not entirely clear. Authorities continue to investigate her mental state and any factors that may have contributed to this tragic incident.
Romelus remains in custody with a bond set at $14 million. The motive behind the shooting remains elusive, as investigators sift through details of the case. Child Protective Services has confirmed they are actively probing the circumstances surrounding the family, highlighting that Romelus had previous interactions with the agency. However, specifics of those encounters are currently confidential, pending investigations.
The Angleton community has been left in shock as families grapple with the tragedy. Local residents express disbelief and sorrow, reflecting on the impact of such violence on the neighborhood. Courts are expected to begin proceedings for Romelus in the coming weeks, while authorities maintain focus on the ongoing recovery of the injured children.