ANGLETON, TX – Authorities in Brazoria County were confronted with a harrowing scene early Saturday morning after a woman allegedly shot her four children, leaving two dead and the other two critically injured. The mother, identified by officials as Oninda Romelus, 31, now faces charges including capital murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Law enforcement responded before dawn, after a 911 call led them to a gas station in Angleton. When officers arrived, they found Romelus in a white car with the engine running and its doors open. Her four children—ages 3, 8, 9, and 13—were inside the vehicle, two of whom had already died from gunshot wounds, while the other two were gravely wounded.
Court documents detail the aftermath, describing how one child was discovered partially out of the front passenger seat, unresponsive. Officers immediately attempted lifesaving efforts on the surviving victims, who were then airlifted to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston.
Prior to contacting authorities, surveillance cameras showed Romelus pulling into the gas station, fueling her vehicle, and appearing to talk on the phone. She remained at the pump for several minutes, at times peering into the back of her car before getting back behind the wheel.
When questioned by deputies, Romelus reportedly appeared agitated and distraught. Investigators say she initially avoided answering why she summoned police, but later confessed that she intended to harm her children, allegedly stating, “Instead of them doing it to me, I’m gonna do it to them.” According to officials, she indicated further distress by making references to the devil and claimed her children were “with the devil now.”
The circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation. Authorities have not provided details on a motive, but statements from Romelus during her arrest suggest she was in a state of emotional and psychological turmoil.
Child Protective Services has since launched its own inquiry to address the welfare of the two surviving children. A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services confirmed that Romelus had previously interacted with the agency, though specifics remain confidential until the conclusion of their investigation.
Romelus was transported to the Brazoria County Jail, where she is being held on a $14 million bond. Officials have not released the names of the children, citing the ongoing investigation and privacy concerns.
Law enforcement continues to collect evidence and interview individuals who may provide insight into Romelus’ actions and state of mind prior to the shootings. The two surviving children remain hospitalized in serious condition.
As the case unfolds, prosecutors are expected to present additional information regarding the sequence of events and Romelus’ background at upcoming court proceedings.