A 31-year-old Texas woman has been arrested and charged after authorities say she shot her four children early Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, killing two and seriously injuring two others. The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office says the suspect called 911 and deputies later found the children with gunshot wounds. A 13-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl died at the scene, reports AP News.
The woman, identified by local authorities as Oninda Romelus, was taken into custody at a nearby gas station and faces two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to reports. Her bond has been set at $14 million.
Court documents and accounts from law enforcement released during the investigation include disturbing alleged statements attributed to the suspect. Officials say she made comments indicating she believed the children were “with the devil” or that she “had to kill them all,” according to reporting based on court records. Investigators recovered a weapon at the scene and are continuing to piece together the timeline.
Two of the children, ages 8 and 9, survived and were flown to a Houston-area hospital. Officials described their condition as serious but stable. Child Protective Services and multiple law enforcement agencies are involved as the investigation proceeds.
Local reporting indicates Romelus previously appeared on Paternity Court, a reality court show, to determine the paternity of an 18-month-old boy, according to Law & Crime On the Case. According to the YouTube channel’s reporter Chris Stewart, the timing of the episode indicates that the paternity of Romelus’s oldest child may have been the one in question. (Watch Oninda Romelus’s appearance on the Paternity Court episode below.)
Investigators reportedly found a cache of identification documents and other items during a search of her home that raised questions about potential fraud. These details that may be explored further as part of the probe.
Brazoria County officials have described the case as a senseless tragedy and said they will pursue justice for the victims. They also urged the public to allow investigators to complete their work. No attorney has been publicly identified for the defendant and no plea has been entered as of this writing. Romelus is being held on a $14 million bond. This story is developing.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of harming themselves or others, please contact local emergency services or a crisis line immediately.
