Houston mom shoots her 4 children, killing 2 — three years ago she appeared on ‘Paternity Court’ to find the father of her son

Investigators have charged a Houston-area mother, Oninda Romelus, for allegedly shooting her four children early Saturday, October 4, 2025, killing two and wounding two others. The case stunned the local community and revived an old reality-TV appearance.

Deputies say Romelus herself reported shooting from a gas station in Angleton, Texas, about 45 miles south of Houston. Authorities believe Romelus shot the children in the car somewhere else before driving to the gas station and calling the police. According to court records and local reporting, deputies arrived around 4:48 a.m. and found all four children inside a vehicle. Police arrested Romelus at the scene.

A 13-year-old boy, identified as O’Karreo Covington, and a 3-year-old girl, Amourra Chappell, died from their injuries. Two other children, ages 8 and 9, survived after authorities rushed them to a nearby hospital. Their conditions are stable.

Romelus’ disturbing statements

Court documents obtained by local stations detail disturbing statements Romelus allegedly made to Brazoria County investigators. When questioned about her children, she reportedly told investigators they were “with the devil.” When asked why she had called 911, Romelus said, “Instead of them doing it to me, I’m gonna do it to them.” After detectives asked what she meant by “do it to them,” Romelus allegedly replied, “kill them all,” according to Texas news outlet KHOU11.

Surveillance video examined by reporters reportedly shows Romelus at the gas station area, purchasing gasoline while on the phone with emergency services. Investigators say she appeared paranoid during her interview and made other inconsistent statements about the children’s behavior and her own state of mind. Law enforcement officials have not publicly identified a clear motive.

Romelus’ paternity court appearance

The case has also drawn attention because Romelus previously appeared on the syndicated reality show Paternity Court more than a decade ago to resolve a paternity dispute involving Covington. Video of that episode and archived listings show a young Romelus seeking legal determination of the child’s father. Producers of the TV series have not publicly commented on the connection.

Child Protective Services and local victim advocates are now ensuring the surviving children are safe, coordinating with relatives for their care. This remains an active investigation. Officials have urged anyone with additional information to contact the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office as they continue to gather evidence.