Angleton, Texas — A quiet Brazoria County community has been left in shock and heartbreak after a horrific shooting claimed the lives of two young children and left two others critically injured early Sunday morning. The tragedy unfolded near a Shell gas station on State Highway 288B, where deputies with the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) responded to a call that has since shaken the entire region.

Authorities confirmed that a 13-year-old and a 4-year-old were pronounced dead at the scene, while an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. The four children were siblings, and the suspected shooter, identified by investigators as their mother, was taken into custody without incident.

According to the BCSO, deputies were dispatched around 5:00 a.m. after receiving frantic reports of multiple gunshots at the Shell gas station near FM 521. When officers arrived, they discovered the devastating scene inside a vehicle parked near the pumps. Emergency responders immediately began life-saving efforts, but two of the children could not be revived. The surviving two were airlifted to a trauma center, where they remain under intensive medical care.

Sheriff’s deputies quickly detained the suspect, who was still on scene when authorities arrived. She was described as calm and cooperative during her arrest. The woman, later identified as Oninda Romelus, now faces multiple charges, including capital murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Investigators have not yet released a motive but confirmed that the suspect is the biological mother of all four victims.

As detectives continue their work, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has joined the investigation to search a second location believed to be connected to the shooting—a residence in Montgomery County. Authorities believe key evidence from the home could help explain what led to this unimaginable act of violence.

Law enforcement officials described the incident as one of the most tragic in recent county history. “This is a scene that no first responder ever wants to encounter,” one BCSO spokesperson said. “Four innocent children were targeted in an act that defies understanding. Our thoughts and prayers are with the surviving victims and everyone affected by this senseless tragedy.”

Neighbors and community members expressed deep sorrow as word spread about the devastating loss. Vigils have already begun forming near the crime scene, with flowers, balloons, and stuffed animals placed at the gas station to honor the young lives lost. Many residents say they are struggling to comprehend how such a tragedy could unfold in their quiet area.

Child welfare agencies have confirmed that they are coordinating with investigators to ensure the surviving children receive ongoing care and protection. Crisis counselors have also been dispatched to local schools to provide emotional support to classmates and teachers who knew the children.

The community has come together in collective mourning, offering prayers, donations, and emotional support to the surviving family members. Faith leaders across Brazoria and Montgomery counties have called for unity and compassion, urging residents to focus on healing and advocacy against family violence.

As the investigation continues, authorities say they are committed to uncovering every detail surrounding the case. For now, Angleton and its neighboring towns are left grappling with a tragedy that has shattered hearts and forever changed a family — a grim reminder of how quickly violence can destroy even the most innocent lives.