A Chilling 911 Call Breaks the Silence (image credits: Unsplash)
Angleton, Texas — In the dim early hours at a quiet gas station, a family’s world shattered forever when a desperate call to 911 revealed unimaginable horror inside a parked vehicle.
A Chilling 911 Call Breaks the Silence
Picture this: it’s just before dawn on a Saturday, and the air hangs heavy with unspoken tension. Oninda Romelus, a 31-year-old from the nearby Porter area, pulls up to a Shell station off Highway 288 and dials emergency services. What follows is a scene no one could prepare for—deputies arriving to find two of her young children lifeless from gunshot wounds, while the other two fight for their lives.
The 13-year-old boy sat slumped in the front seat, a single shot to his head ending his life instantly. In the back, his 4-year-old sister lay still, another victim of the chaos. The survivors, an 8-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy, suffered critical injuries but are now stable in the hospital. It’s the kind of story that grips you, leaving questions swirling about what led to such desperation.
Romelus herself stayed calm at first, but as investigators dug deeper, her words turned eerie—she reportedly muttered about wanting to “kill them all” and even claimed she’d “called the devil.” Those chilling details emerged from court documents, painting a picture of a mind unraveling.
The Victims: Lives Cut Short Too Soon
At the center of this tragedy are four innocent kids, each with dreams now stolen away. O’Karreo Covington, the 13-year-old, was full of energy, the kind of teen who lit up a room. His little sister, Amourra Chapell, just 4 years old, represented pure joy—giggling through playground days that ended far too abruptly.
The surviving siblings, ages 8 and 9, dodged the worst but carry scars that time might never fully heal. Families like this one often weave tight bonds in small Texas towns, making the loss feel even more personal. Deputies described the vehicle as a confined space of sorrow, where help arrived just moments too late for two of them.
From Porter to Angleton: The Road to Tragedy
Romelus hails from Porter, a quiet suburb north of Houston, but her path took a detour to Angleton that morning. Authorities believe she drove there intentionally, perhaps seeking a spot away from prying eyes. The gas station, usually a pit stop for commuters, became ground zero for this nightmare.
Why Angleton? It’s not clear yet, but the choice of a public yet isolated early-morning location adds layers to the mystery. Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office moved quickly, securing the scene and ensuring the injured kids got immediate medical attention. Their response time likely saved the two who made it.
Facing the Music: Charges and Court Battle Ahead
By Sunday, Romelus sat behind bars on two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The bond? A staggering $14 million, signaling how seriously prosecutors view this case. It’s a number that keeps her locked up as the investigation unfolds.
Court records reveal more about her mindset post-incident—rambling statements that hint at deeper troubles. Mental health experts might weigh in later, but for now, the focus remains on justice for the victims. This isn’t just a legal fight; it’s a community’s call for answers.
A Surprising Chapter from Her Past
Digging into Romelus’s background uncovers an unexpected twist: years ago, she appeared on the reality show “Paternity Court.” Episodes like hers often delved into family disputes, testing DNA and emotions in a public forum. It’s a far cry from today’s headlines, but it shows a life already tangled in personal drama.
That TV spot, from around 2022 or earlier, involved paternity questions—common fare for the program. Now, it adds a layer of irony to her story, reminding us how quickly fortunes can flip. Viewers who tuned in back then might never have imagined this dark turn.
Her earlier arrest in Georgia back in April 2022 for unrelated issues suggests a pattern of challenges, though details remain sparse. It’s a reminder that behind every news story lies a complex history.
Community Reels: Support and Questions Pour In
Angleton and Porter aren’t huge places, so word spread fast—neighbors whispering in shock, schools holding moments of silence. Local leaders have rallied, offering counseling for those affected and urging folks to check on loved ones showing signs of distress.
One thing stands out: in tight-knit Texas communities, tragedies like this hit like a storm. People are asking how to prevent the next one—maybe more mental health resources or family support programs. It’s raw, real conversation starting right now.
Key Takeaways
- Two children died, two survived after the shooting at an Angleton gas station.
- Oninda Romelus faces serious charges with a $14 million bond.
- Her past “Paternity Court” appearance highlights ongoing family struggles.
As this story sinks in, it leaves us grappling with the fragility of life and the shadows we all carry. What drove a mother to this point? We’ll likely learn more as the case progresses, but for now, it’s a stark reminder to reach out when things feel overwhelming. What do you think led to this tragedy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
