A Texas mom is facing multiple charges after allegedly shooting her children. For reasons that are still unknown, Oninda Romelus reportedly shot all four of her children inside of a vehicle. She soon ended up at a gas station in the early morning, where police were then called. Upon arrival, they discovered the children and took swift action to get them help. Things only became more confusing when they began questioning the woman.
Around 5 a.m. October 4, 2025, deputies from the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of four children being shot, per a news release. In a later news conference, it was revealed that the children’s 31-year-old mother was the suspected shooter.
“Deputies immediately began providing lifesaving aid to the children until medical personnel arrived,” Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman said. “The quick actions of responding deputies are believed to have saved at least one child’s life.”
During the news conference, Stallman confirmed that a 13-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl died from their shooting-related injuries. An 8-year-old boy and 9-year-old girl did survive and were in stable condition at the hospital.
Deputies were called to a local Shell gas station, according to Click 2 Houston. When authorities arrived, they found the four children inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds. It was confirmed that the shooting did not take place at the gas station.
Romelus was taken into custody at the scene and questioned by police. Evidence showed the shooting happened inside the vehicle.
When Romelus was questioned, she was alert but “wasn’t making any sense,” according to another report from Click 2 Houston. During an interview at the jail, the woman appeared paranoid about where she was and kept looking toward the door.
Romelus initially told investigators she “couldn’t talk about it.” Next, she told them “Instead of them doing it to me, I’m gonna do it to them.” When asked what she was going to do, she replied “Kill them all.” Police then asked why she called 911 and she said she didn’t — she “called the devil.”
The mom then told police that her children were with “the devil” when asked where they were, Click 2 Houston reported. She went on to say “They’re dead,” adding, “Cause you can’t take me without me taking you.” Later, she said her children were “dead to her,” according to court documents.
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 dollar bond, per Click 2 Houston. Investigators are still working to determine motive.
“This tragedy has shaken our community, and we are all feeling the loss,” Stallman said during the news conference. “I’m proud of the deputies whose quick response made a difference, and I want to thank the people of Brazoria County and surrounding areas for their prayers and support for these children and our first responders.”
