Identity Theft Evidence Found in Home of Mother Accused of Killing Her Children

PORTER / BRAZORIA COUNTY — Investigators searching the home of Oninda Romelus, the mother accused of shooting her four children, say they uncovered evidence of criminal identity theft and fraud alongside the evidence tied to the shooting.

Search warrants reveal that officers seized a large volume of documents, electronics, and personal identification materials that suggest Romelus was using the home as a base for identity fraud. Among the items found were dozens of credit cards, social security cards, and identification cards bearing multiple names — some showing her photo but listing different identities.

In addition to the fraudulent documents, law enforcement also collected computers, printers, shipping labels, and devices commonly used to create forged identification and financial records. The items were located in an office space inside the home, per the warrant.

Romelus is already charged with two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, in connection with the alleged shooting of her children in Brazoria County. Two of the children were pronounced dead at the scene; two others were flown to a hospital in critical condition.

Court documents also include statements made by Romelus in her interviews with investigators. The affidavits allege that she showed signs of paranoia, repeatedly glancing toward the door, and making statements such as “Kill them all” and “They’re dead.” In one moment, asked why she called for help, she reportedly said she had “called the devil.”

The identity theft evidence raises fresh questions about motive, background, and whether the shooting was part of a larger pattern of criminal behavior. Prosecutors may explore whether financial pressures or fraud activity played a role in her state of mind.

Investigators continue to analyze digital records, cross-check seized IDs, and trace the sources of the fraudulent documents. They’re also examining whether any of the identity theft actions intersected with financial transactions — such as banking or purchases — that provide a paper trail.

Romelus is held in the Brazoria County Jail on a $14 million bond while the investigation continues.

This development further complicates a case already gripping the region, drawing national attention, and putting pressure on local law enforcement and prosecutors to piece together the full extent of wrongdoing. Romelus’s defense and legal team now face not only homicide charges but potentially serious federal or state fraud charges tied to identity theft.

As the investigation proceeds, more clarity is expected on how the identity fraud evidence fits into the broader narrative — whether it was a driving factor, collateral activity, or red herring — and which new charges may follow.

TL;DR

Search warrants in the home of Oninda Romelus, accused of killing two and injuring two of her children, revealed substantial identity theft evidence: dozens of forged IDs, credit cards, social security cards, printers, and other materials suggesting large-scale fraud in her residence. The findings could lead to additional fraud charges and raise questions about motive in the shooting case.