Crime
Mother Oninda Romelus Arrested After Fatal Shooting Leaves Two Children Dead, Two Critically Injured in Angleton
ANGLETON, Texas — Authorities are investigating a tragic shooting in Brazoria County that left two children dead and two others critically injured early Saturday morning.
According to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), deputies were dispatched around 5:00 a.m. to a gas station located on State Highway 288B near FM 521 after receiving reports of a shooting involving multiple victims.
Upon arrival, deputies located a vehicle containing four children suffering from gunshot wounds.
Investigators do not believe the shooting occurred at the gas station, and efforts are underway to determine the precise time and location of the incident.
BCSO confirmed that a 13-year-old and a 4-year-old child were pronounced dead at the scene.
An 8-year-old and a 9-year-old were airlifted to a nearby trauma center in critical condition. As of the latest update, both surviving children are expected to recover.
All individuals believed to be involved in the shooting have been detained, and there is no ongoing threat to the public, according to the sheriff’s office.
In an official statement, BCSO said:
“All individuals believed to be involved have been detained, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. While the details are still developing, the loss of two children in such a manner is a tragedy. Our thoughts are with the family and everyone affected as we continue to learn more about this heartbreaking situation.”
Authorities have identified the adult suspect taken into custody as Oninda Romelus, who investigators confirmed is the mother of the four children.
She was detained without incident and remains in custody as the investigation continues.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is assisting in the investigation at a residence in Montgomery County, believed to be connected to the crime scene.
A news conference regarding the ongoing investigation has been scheduled by the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office for 4:00 p.m. Sunday.
The investigation remains active, and no additional details have been released at this time.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Montgomery Police Department (MPD) is investigating a deadly overnight mass shooting that occurred late Saturday in downtown Montgomery, leaving two people dead and twelve others injured, including two juveniles.
According to MPD, officers responded to reports of multiple gunshots near Bibb Street and Commerce Street around 11:30 p.m.
When police arrived, they found numerous victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Two individuals, including a woman identified by family members as Renee, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The second victim has been identified as Lï Trappski.
Both victims were remembered by loved ones as kind, community-minded individuals whose lives were tragically cut short.
Among the 12 surviving victims, three remain in life-threatening condition, including one juvenile, while nine others sustained non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed condemned the shooting, calling it a “reckless and selfish act.”
“To have a heinous event like this take place prior to midnight in a busy part of our entertainment district is reckless and selfish,” Reed said. “You don’t care about your life? Go jump off a bridge. You don’t pull out a gun and shoot in a crowd of people.”
Police Chief Jim Graboys emphasized that the department will dedicate all available resources to apprehend those responsible.
“This is not acceptable. This is not normal,” Graboys said. “We will not rest until we put the people involved in jail.”
Chief Graboys noted that the incident does not appear to be a random mass shooting, but rather a confrontation between two groups who opened fire in a crowded area, endangering bystanders.
Mayor Reed confirmed that police units were stationed within 50 feet of both sides of the scene when the shooting erupted. He vowed that the suspects, once captured, would be “made an example of.”
The shooting occurred during a busy night in downtown Montgomery, as thousands of residents and visitors were in the area for several major events, including the Tuskegee–Morehouse Classic, the Alabama National Fair, and Alabama State University’s homecoming festivities.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall issued a statement offering condolences to the victims and their families, while also expressing concern about violence in the state’s capital city.
“My deepest sympathies go out to all those affected by this senseless act,” Marshall said. “This tragedy underscores, once again, that our capital city is in crisis. I continue to be troubled by the city leadership’s refusal to acknowledge the seriousness of the problem.”
MPD confirmed that multiple individuals have been brought in for questioning in connection with the case. It remains unclear whether any of those individuals are considered suspects at this time.
Detectives have recovered several firearms believed to have been used in the shooting, some equipped with high-capacity magazines.
Authorities are actively reviewing witness statements, forensic evidence, and surveillance footage from the area.
“Detectives are actively pursuing leads and reviewing evidence,” MPD said in a statement. “We urge anyone with information related to this incident to come forward. Even the smallest detail could be critical to helping investigators identify those responsible.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Montgomery Police Department at 334-625-2831 or reach out anonymously to Central Alabama CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).