Shamaiya Deyonshana Hall, 25, was arrested and charged with three counts of capital murder in connection with the incident, the sheriff’s office said Saturday. She is being held on a $6 million bond.
The murders occurred during a home visit by Texas Child Protective Services, during which the caseworker decided to remove the children from the home, according to the sheriff’s office. The caseworker called 911 and responding deputies discovered the victims.
A 6-year-old boy and 5-year-old twins — a boy and girl — were found dead, while a 4-year-old boy and 13-month-old girl were “seriously wounded,” the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff’s office did not confirm the relationship between the suspect and the victims in its latest update.
“We are shocked by this incomprehensible tragedy, and already working with law enforcement to investigate how this happened, and why,” the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services said in a statement.
Shamelia Anderson, a relative of the victims, confirmed to ABC Dallas affiliate WFAA that the children attended the elementary school across the street from their home.
“They gained their wings,” she told the station. “Those were beautiful little babies.”
The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Texas Rangers.
Italy Independent School District Superintendent Rachel Kistner said the district is “deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred off-campus” and is cooperating with local law enforcement in the investigation.
“Words cannot express the overwhelming grief felt by the district and the community hearing of such a tragedy,” Kistner said in a statement. “We are a tight-knit, small community and as such many students will be impacted by this incident.”
The district will have counseling available on Saturday and next week, she said.

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