ANGLETON, Texas – The grim specter of reality TV has erupted into real‑world horror for the Romelus family. Oninda Romelus, 31, once featured on Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court nearly a dozen years ago seeking to determine paternity of her oldest child, now faces chilling charges after a shooting that left two of her four children dead.
Two Killed, Two Hurt
Authorities say Romelus allegedly shot her four children — 13‑year‑old O’Karreo Covington and 3‑year‑old Amourra Chapell were pronounced dead at the scene. Her two other kids, ages 8 and 9, survived the incident but remain hospitalized.
Paranoia, Demons & Madness
Court documents paint a disturbing portrait: Romelus reportedly told investigators that her children were “with the devil,” that they were “dead to her,” and claimed she acted out of fear that they might kill her. She allegedly said things like: *“instead of them doing it to me, I’m gonna do it to them.”
Television Roots & Possible Identity Fraud
Romelus’s stint on Paternity Court surfaced as prosecutors traced back her past. In that episode, she sought to establish who fathered her oldest son; neither of the two men tested proved to be the biological father.
Meanwhile, a search of her home uncovered what appears to be an arsenal of fraudulent documents: dozens of Social Security cards, multiple IDs and credit cards under various names, and devices presumed used to concoct fake identity paperwork.
Legal Storm & Public Outcry
She has been charged with two counts of murder (for the two children who died) and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (for the surviving kids). Romelus is being held on an astonishing $14 million bond.
This case has prompted furious debate: How much did her mental state contribute? What role did prior exposure to the judicial system, identity issues or possible fraud play? And how is the law to balance punishing horrific acts with mental health concerns?
