ANGLETON, TX – A 31-year-old Texas mother, Oninda Romelus, is facing multiple charges after allegedly gunning down her four children, killing two and injuring the other two, in a shocking early-morning incident in Brazoria County. Authorities say she called police to meet her at a local gas station after the shooting, claiming her children were “with the devil.”
Alleged Shooting and Police Response
The incident occurred Saturday before 4:45 a.m., according to court documents obtained by Law&Crime. Romelus, a resident of Porter in Montgomery County, allegedly had her children — ages 3, 8, 9, and 13 — in the vehicle at the time of the attack.
When deputies from the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the gas station, they found that the youngest and oldest children were deceased, while the two middle children were alive but critically injured. The surviving children were life-flighted to Memorial Hermann Hospital Downtown for emergency treatment.
Disturbing Details of the Crime
According to the criminal complaint:
- Romelus allegedly told police, “Instead of them doing it to me, I’m gonna do it to them,” in reference to murdering her children.
- The white passenger car she was in had all doors open when authorities arrived.
- Deputies described one victim as being “positioned with its body hanging halfway out of the front passenger door, with legs in the vehicle and the upper torso and head on the ground.”
- Surveillance footage shows Romelus pulling into the gas station, pumping $56 worth of fuel, talking on her phone, and looking into the rear window of the car before remaining in the driver’s seat.
Romelus allegedly told police that she had not called 911 but rather the “devil,” claiming her children were dead to her and “with the devil.” She further stated, “Cause you can’t take me without me taking you.”
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Romelus has been charged with:
- Two counts of murder
- Two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
She was arrested and booked, and a judge ordered her to be held on a $14 million bond. Authorities continue to investigate, and Child Protective Services (CPS) has been notified to ensure the safety of the surviving children. According to CPS spokesperson Melissa Lanford, Romelus had prior contact with CPS, though details remain confidential until a public Child Fatality Report is released.
Community and Law Enforcement Reactions
Local authorities described the incident as a tragic and shocking crime, emphasizing the ongoing investigation into the motive and circumstances. Officials are also reviewing surveillance footage and gathering statements from deputies and witnesses to determine the full scope of the incident.
The surviving children are receiving medical care, and CPS is coordinating with the hospital and law enforcement to ensure their safety and well-being.
Call to Action
This tragic case raises questions about child safety, mental health, and intervention systems in families. What are your thoughts on how communities and authorities can prevent such tragedies? Share your opinions and support for the survivors in the comments below.
