ANGLETON, TX – Oninda Romelus, 31, has been charged with 18 felonies, including two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault, after she allegedly shot her four children, killing two and injuring two others, early Saturday morning in Angleton, Texas. The children’s tragic ordeal has shocked both the community and authorities, who are still working to understand the motive behind the attack.
The Incident and Arrest
The horrific events began on October 4, 2025, when Romelus, a Porter resident, drove to the Oasis gas station on SH 288 in Angleton, where she reportedly called 911. However, court documents reveal that she later claimed she didn’t call 911, but instead “called the devil.”
Brazoria County deputies rushed to the scene after receiving the call and found four children who had been shot inside a vehicle. O’Karreo Covington, a 13-year-old boy, tragically died from a gunshot wound to the head. Three-year-old Amourra Chapell also died at the scene, while 9-year-old Kylee Romelius and 8-year-old Traviel Downer suffered injuries. Both surviving children were airlifted to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, where they are recovering and cooperating with investigators.
Romelus’ Statements and Mental Health Concerns
When deputies questioned Romelus at the scene, she appeared alert but not making sense, according to court documents. During her interview, Romelus allegedly stated that her children were “with the devil” and added, “they’re dead” before saying, “cause you can’t take me without me taking you.”
Court documents revealed that Romelus repeatedly looked around in a paranoid manner and made several incriminating statements about the killings. When asked why she called 911, she reportedly said, “Instead of them doing it to me, I’m gonna do it to them,” and when pressed further, she replied, “kill them all.”
History with Child Protective Services
Investigators later confirmed that Romelus had previous contact with Child Protective Services (CPS), though the details of this interaction remain confidential. Melissa Lanford, a CPS spokesperson, confirmed that Romelus’ history with the agency would be included in a public Child Fatality Report once the investigation is complete…