Former Paternity Court Reality TV Contestant Accused of Shooting Her 4 Children, Killing 2

A Texas mother accused of opening fire on her four children — killing two — once appeared on the reality TV series Paternity Court in a paternity dispute involving one of the victims.

Authorities say Oninda Romelus, 31, was taken into custody by Brazoria County officials early on Saturday, Oct. 4, after allegedly shooting her four children inside a vehicle. According to a statement from the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, the attack left her teenage son and toddler daughter dead.

While police have not released the victims’ names, KHOU 11 identified them as 13-year-old O’Karreo Covington and 3-year-old Amourra Chapell. Two other children — an 8-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl — survived and remain in stable condition, per the sheriff’s office.

Deputies responding to reports of gunfire discovered Romelus and her children inside a vehicle, where investigators believe the shooting occurred. Romelus was arrested at the scene.

Years earlier, Romelus had appeared on Paternity Court, a show that focused on family disputes and DNA testing. KHOU 11 reported that her episode, which aired about 12 years ago, featured Romelus discussing relationships with two men — Dewayne Seymore and Jeremy Covington — during the time she conceived her son, O’Karreo. Ultimately, DNA results revealed that neither man was the father.

According to court documents cited by KHOU 11, Romelus — who resides in Montgomery County — was the person who called 911. Police said she “appeared paranoid” during questioning and allegedly told investigators she made the call because “instead of them doing it to me, I’m gonna do it to them.” When asked to explain, she reportedly replied, “kill them all.”

Investigators said Romelus also made disturbing statements claiming her children were “with the devil” and that “you can’t take me without me taking you.”

Child Protective Services told KHOU 11 that they are investigating the case and working to ensure the safety of the surviving children.

Romelus has been charged with two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, the sheriff’s office confirmed. She remains in custody on a $14 million bond.

Court records for Brazoria and Montgomery counties did not list plea or attorney information as of publication.