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.”
Crime
24-Year-Old Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr Dies in Fatal Jeep Incident in Midland, Christian Rojelio Zubia Arrested
MIDLAND, Texas — Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr., a 24-year-old man from Odessa, died after an incident involving a Jeep Wrangler in Midland on Thursday night, October 8, 2026. The driver, a 30-year-old Odessa man, was later arrested and charged with manslaughter, according to the Midland Police Department.
Police said officers responded at approximately 10:46 p.m. Thursday to a reported crash involving a 2018 Jeep Wrangler and a pedestrian in the 1700 block of Rankin Highway.
During the preliminary investigation, witnesses told authorities that Soto Navarrete had jumped onto the hood of a black Jeep Wrangler. Investigators allege that the driver accelerated while turning southbound, causing Soto Navarrete to fall from the vehicle and sustain fatal injuries.
Authorities identified the driver as Christian Rojelio Zubia, 30, of Odessa.
According to police, Zubia left the scene after the incident. Officers later located him with assistance from the Odessa Police Department.
Zubia was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with Soto Navarrete’s death. The charge is an allegation, and the case will proceed through the legal system.
The Midland Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, including the events leading up to Soto Navarrete’s fall from the Jeep.
Authorities have not released further details about what prompted the encounter or whether additional charges may be considered.
Police confirmed that Soto Navarrete’s next of kin has been notified of his death.
Soto Navarrete’s death has left his family and loved ones grieving. His passing serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a dangerous incident can result in a fatal outcome.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as authorities continue reviewing the case.
