A former contestant on the reality TV show Paternity Court, identified as Oninda Romelus, has been accused of fatally shooting two of her four children in a shocking incident that has left her community in disbelief.
Authorities confirmed that Romelus allegedly shot all four of her children, resulting in the deaths of her 13-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter, while her 8-year-old and 9-year-old children survived with injuries.
Romelus, who gained brief public attention more than a decade ago after appearing on Paternity Court to determine the paternity of her son — now identified as one of the victims — reportedly placed a 911 call that quickly turned chilling. According to police accounts, she made disturbing statements that reflected paranoia and delusion, saying, “Instead of them doing it to me, I’m gonna do it to them.” Investigators later revealed that she told responding officers she believed her children were “with the devil.”
During her interview with detectives, Romelus allegedly claimed that her children had been overtaken by evil spirits and that she acted to stop them from killing her. Her remarks, described by authorities as incoherent and deeply unsettling, left even experienced investigators shaken. Law enforcement officials stated that her words, “kill them all,” carried an ominous and tragic significance once the full extent of the crime was uncovered.
The case has reignited discussions around mental health and the disturbing circumstances that can lead to such family tragedies. Police say they are continuing to investigate Romelus’s motive and mental state at the time of the shooting. Meanwhile, the surviving children remain hospitalized, receiving medical care and support as authorities work to ensure their safety and recovery.
The story has drawn widespread attention, not only because of Romelus’s past television appearance but also due to the horrific nature of the crime. Investigators are expected to release additional details as the case progresses, while prosecutors prepare formal charges against her in connection with the deaths of her two children.
