Crime
Oninda Romelus Charged with Murder After Fatal Shooting That Killed Two Children and Critically Injured Two Others
ANGLETON, Texas — The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is investigating a devastating shooting that left two children dead and two others critically injured early Saturday morning.
At approximately 4:48 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a shooting involving multiple children.
Upon arrival, deputies located a vehicle and four juvenile victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Immediate lifesaving measures were initiated by responding deputies until emergency medical personnel arrived on scene.
Officials believe the quick response and decisive actions of the deputies played a vital role in saving at least one child’s life.
Preliminary findings indicate that the driver of the vehicle, 31-year-old Oninda Romelus, is the mother of the four children and the suspected shooter.
Investigators believe the shooting occurred inside the vehicle prior to deputies’ arrival.
Tragically, a 13-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl were pronounced deceased at the scene.
An 8-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl were airlifted to a Houston-area hospital, where they remain in stable condition following emergency treatment.
Romelus was subsequently taken into custody and charged with two counts of Murder and two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
Her total bond has been set at $14 million. She is a resident of Montgomery County, where the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, under Sheriff Doolittle, is assisting with related investigative efforts.
“This is a heartbreaking and deeply disturbing case,” said Sheriff Stallman. “This tragedy has shaken our community, and we are all feeling the loss. I am proud of the deputies whose swift 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.”
The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from partner agencies, continues to collect and analyze evidence to determine the full circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “We are committed to ensuring justice is served for the victims and their loved ones.”
CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. — What began as a joyous Homecoming weekend at Lincoln University — one of the nation’s first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) — ended in tragedy when gunfire erupted in a campus parking lot Saturday evening, leaving one person dead and at least six others injured.
Authorities confirmed the fatal shooting occurred outside the International Cultural Center, where a tailgate celebration was taking place following the university’s Homecoming football game.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with tents and tables scattered throughout the lot as attendees fled to safety.
During a Sunday afternoon press briefing, officials identified one of the suspects as 21-year-old Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson, who has been taken into custody and is being held at the Chester County Prison on $25,000 bail.
He faces charges of carrying a firearm without a license, according to court documents.
The deceased victim, a 25-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, reportedly suffered a gunshot wound to the head.
His name has not yet been released pending family notification.
Six additional victims, all between the ages of 20 and 25, sustained injuries in the shooting and are expected to survive, officials said.
Investigators do not believe the suspects arrived at the Homecoming event intending to carry out a mass shooting.
Chester County District Attorney officials, along with Lincoln University Police and the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police, are assisting in the ongoing investigation. Detectives are processing the large crime scene, collecting ballistic evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses to determine what led to the violence.
In a statement released Sunday, Lincoln University President announced that classes will be canceled on Monday, October 27, designating the day as one of “healing and reflection.”
University Police Chief Marc Partee spoke emotionally about the tragedy, saying,
“We set this out to be a time to celebrate the legacy of Lincoln University, the first Historically Black HBCU. Devastated — if there was another word to describe that, one more impactful, I would use it. But devastated is a start.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information or video footage related to the shooting to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI as the investigation continues.