Former Contestant SHOOTS Her Four Children

A child covering their face while looking through a glass window

A mother who appeared on “Paternity Court” to identify her son’s father has been charged with shooting four of her children, killing two, after allegedly claiming they “were with the devil.”

Story Snapshot

Oninda Romelus, a former “Paternity Court” contestant, charged with shooting her four children in Texas
Two children died from gunshot wounds, while two others survived the attack
Romelus allegedly told investigators her children “were with the devil” when she shot them
The incident occurred three years after her television appearance seeking paternity answers

Television Appearance Precedes Tragic Violence

Oninda Romelus appeared on the popular television show “Paternity Court” approximately three years before the deadly shooting incident in Texas. The show, hosted by Judge Lauren Lake, helps individuals establish paternity through DNA testing and legal proceedings. Romelus sought to identify the father of her son during her television appearance, a common scenario for the long-running court show that has addressed thousands of paternity cases.

The case highlights the troubling intersection of reality television and real-life tragedy. While paternity court shows provide resolution for many families seeking answers about biological relationships, this particular case demonstrates how personal struggles can escalate into devastating violence years later. The television appearance now serves as a haunting backdrop to the criminal charges Romelus faces.

Deadly Attack on Four Children

Texas authorities arrested Romelus after she allegedly shot four of her children in what investigators describe as a deliberate attack. Two of the children died from their gunshot wounds, while the other two survived and received medical treatment. The shooting occurred in the Houston area, sending shockwaves through the local community and raising questions about warning signs that may have been missed.

According to law enforcement reports, Romelus made disturbing statements to investigators about her motivation for the shooting. She allegedly told authorities that her children “were with the devil,” suggesting a possible mental health crisis or delusional thinking that preceded the violent attack. These statements indicate a deeply troubled mindset that may have contributed to the tragic outcome.

Criminal Charges and Legal Consequences

Romelus faces serious criminal charges related to the shooting deaths and injuries of her children. Texas prosecutors are pursuing charges that could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty, given the severity of the crimes and the deaths of two minors. The case represents one of the most heinous examples of family violence in recent memory, particularly given the defendant’s previous public exposure through television.

The legal proceedings will likely explore Romelus’s mental state at the time of the shooting, including any history of mental illness or substance abuse. Defense attorneys may argue for diminished capacity based on her alleged statements about the devil, though such defenses rarely succeed in cases involving multiple child victims. The surviving children will require ongoing medical and psychological care as they recover from their physical and emotional trauma.