BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas – A tragic shooting early Saturday morning in Brazoria County, near Angleton, left two children dead and two others injured. Authorities have charged 31-year-old Oninda Romelus, the mother of all four children, with two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Romelus, a Montgomery County resident, is being held on a $14 million bond: $5 million for the murder charges and $2 million for each aggravated assault charge.
Details of the Shooting
The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office received a call at 4:48 a.m. Saturday, prompting deputies to respond to a Shell gas station near FM 521 and 288. The initial call led deputies to the scene, where they found four children suffering from gunshot wounds inside a vehicle.
Two of the children, a 13-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl, were pronounced dead at the scene. The other two, an 8-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl, were airlifted to a Houston hospital via Life Flight and are in critical but stable condition.
Sheriff Bo Stallman confirmed that evidence indicates the shooting occurred inside Romelus’ vehicle, and that her Montgomery County home was searched in connection with the incident.
Charges and Arrest
Romelus was taken into custody and booked into the Brazoria County Jail. Investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the shooting.
“This tragedy has shaken our community, and we are all feeling the loss. 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,” Sheriff Stallman said.
Community Response and Safety Measures
Local authorities emphasized the importance of community awareness and rapid reporting in such emergencies. They encouraged residents to:
- Immediately report any suspicious or violent behavior.
- Stay clear of crime scenes until authorities arrive.
- Support local victims through counseling and community programs.
Share Your Thoughts
How can communities better prevent tragedies like this one in Brazoria County? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below. Your voice can help raise awareness and promote safety for children and families.
