ANGLETON, Texas – A devastating tragedy has unfolded in Angleton, Texas, where a mother has been arrested and charged in connection with a shooting that resulted in the deaths of two of her children and critically injured two others. The incident, which authorities are still piecing together, has sent shockwaves through the local community and serves as a stark reminder of the profound violence that can shatter families.
Oninda Romelus, a 31-year-old mother from Montgomery County, faces charges including two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. She is currently being held on a $14 million bond. The horrific event came to light early Saturday morning, October 4, 2025, when Romelus herself called 911 to report the incident. Responding deputies from the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office arrived at a gas station in Angleton, where they discovered the four children suffering from gunshot wounds inside a vehicle.
Tragically, a 13-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl were pronounced dead at the scene. Two other children, an 8-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl, sustained critical injuries and were immediately transported by Life Flight to a Houston-area hospital. Authorities have since reported that the surviving children are in stable condition.
Initial Response and Investigation
The swift response of law enforcement was credited by Sheriff Bo Stallman with potentially saving the lives of the injured children. However, the initial call to 911 provided little context about the unfolding horror. “We didn’t know exactly what we were responding to at the time,” Sheriff Stallman stated, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the tragedy.
While the gas station served as the location where deputies found the victims, investigators have indicated that the shooting itself is believed to have occurred inside Romelus’s vehicle. The exact location and circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under intense investigation. Authorities have declined to release specific details regarding the motive or why the vehicle was in Angleton, which is located over an hour’s drive from Romelus’s residence in Porter, Texas.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has been assisting Brazoria County in the investigation, including searching a home in Porter believed to be connected to the incident. This collaborative effort underscores the complexity of the case as investigators work to gather evidence, analyze forensic data, and reconstruct the events of that fatal morning.
Community Repercussions and Official Statements
The news of the shooting has deeply shaken the Angleton community and surrounding areas. Sheriff Stallman described the event as an “unthinkable, unimaginable tragedy” and acknowledged the profound loss experienced by the families and the community. He expressed pride in the deputies’ quick actions and extended gratitude for the prayers and support offered to the children and first responders.
The surviving children have been interviewed by investigators, and they are cooperating with the ongoing inquiry. However, details concerning custody arrangements or further information about the motive remain undisclosed, pending the completion of the investigation. The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office has maintained that there is no ongoing threat to the public, with all individuals believed to be involved having been detained.
Background and Ongoing Inquiry
Oninda Romelus, the accused mother, had reportedly lived in her Porter neighborhood for only a few months. Neighbors expressed shock and disbelief upon learning of the charges. As the investigation progresses, authorities are focused on piecing together Romelus’s background, her relationship with the children, and the sequence of events that led to this horrific act. A weapon was recovered at the scene, and investigators continue to collect and analyze all available evidence.
This top news story highlights a tragic family situation that has brought a community together in grief. The “trending” nature of such events often sparks wider discussions about mental health, domestic violence, and child welfare, though official statements have not yet offered specific insights into these potential contributing factors. The focus remains on seeking justice for the children involved and understanding the circumstances surrounding this devastating occurrence in Texas.
This is a developing story, and further details will be released as the investigation continues.
