Brazoria County, Texas — A quiet Saturday morning was torn apart by tragedy when deputies discovered four children shot inside a car, leaving two dead and two others fighting for their lives. The devastating incident occurred around 4:48 a.m. and has plunged the Brazoria County community into shock and mourning.
According to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived to a heartbreaking scene: a 13-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl were pronounced dead at the scene, while their siblings, ages 8 and 9, suffered critical injuries. Both surviving children were airlifted to a Houston-area hospital, where they remain under intensive care.
Authorities identified the suspected shooter as the children’s mother, 31-year-old Oninda Romelus. She has been taken into custody and charged with two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Investigators believe the shooting took place inside the family’s vehicle, though the motive remains unclear.
Officials described the crime scene as profoundly disturbing, with deputies visibly shaken by the discovery. “This is one of the most difficult calls our deputies have ever faced,” a sheriff’s office spokesperson said. “Our hearts go out to these children and their family. This is something that will haunt everyone involved for a very long time.”
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the investigation, which includes forensic examinations and witness interviews. Authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
The community is reeling from the loss, with neighbors describing the situation as “unimaginable” and “heartbreaking beyond words.” Vigils and prayer gatherings are already being organized to honor the young victims and to offer support to the surviving children and their extended family.
Counselors and grief support services have been made available to family members and first responders as the emotional impact of the tragedy continues to ripple across Brazoria County.
Two young lives — a 13-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl — have been cut short, while two siblings cling to life, surrounded by prayers and hope from an entire state. As investigators work tirelessly to uncover answers, the community mourns together, united in grief and love for the innocent children caught in this heartbreaking act of violence.
May the two young souls rest in peace, and may their surviving siblings find strength and healing in the days ahead