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.”
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.