ANGLETON, Texas — A Texas mother is facing charges of murder and aggravated assault after allegedly shooting her four children, resulting in the deaths of two and injuring the other two, according to police. Authorities were called to a local gas station in Brazoria County on Saturday, Oct. 4, where deputies found the children shot inside a vehicle.
The suspected shooter, identified as 31-year-old Oninda Romelus, was arrested and charged following the tragic events. At a press conference, Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman stated that deputies responded to the scene around 5:00 a.m. and immediately began administering medical aid to the victims.
The sheriff confirmed the fatalities as a 13-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl, who succumbed to their injuries. The other two children, an 8-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl, survived and are currently in stable condition at the hospital. The shooting did not occur at the gas station in Angleton where Romelus had stopped, but it was there that police initially responded before realizing the gravity of the situation.
Romelus has been charged with two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. She is being held on a $14 million bond. The surviving children are aiding police with their investigation, confirming some details about the incident. Investigators are diligently gathering evidence to piece together the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office reassured the public that all involved parties have been detained and there is no further threat to the community. They are working in conjunction with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, where Romelus is listed as a resident, in the ongoing investigation.
Sheriff Stallman stated, “The outpouring of prayers and support for the affected children and our first responders is deeply appreciated. We commend the swift actions of the deputies and the cooperation of the community during this difficult time.”