New charges against Ellis County mother accused of triple murder; All-night vigil for children

Additional charges brought against mother accused of killing three of her children and injuring two other children.

News of the allegations broke just hours before a picket was held on Thursday at the site where the children were found.

Shamaya Hall, 25, was arrested and charged March 3 with three counts of capital murder. for the death of a 6-year-old child and two 5-year-old twins. Two more children were found seriously injured.

On Wednesday, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office announced two additional charges – two felony first-degree charges of aggravated assault on a family with a deadly weapon.

Stormy weather on Thursday night coincided gloomy mood in Ellis County, with vigil balloons falling to the ground, weighed down by wind and rain. However, family and friends gathered in support and solidarity. When it rained, prayers for comfort were heard.

Sadness permeates deep into the entire community. Rayla Morrison, a close relative of the victims, attended the vigil and told NBC 5 that her family has a long way to go.

“We love each other,” Morrison said. “When one family member suffers, we all suffer. We all feel this pain. So we’re just coming together to ease this pain.”

She said they are grateful for the support of a close-knit community.

“When you are uniquely intertwined, when one person hurts the entire community,” she said. “We saw an amazing community showcase.”

The bond for Hall’s two additional payments was set at $2 million each. This is in addition to three separate $2 million bonds on capital murder charges.

Hall’s twin sister was also arrested in 2021. for allegedly stabbing her own 7-year-old daughter.

A spokesman for the Texas Department of Family and Welfare said that due to an active investigation, they are unable to comment other than a released statement saying: “We are appalled by this incomprehensible tragedy and are already working with law enforcement to find out how and why this happened.” .