ELLIS COUNTY, Texas — A mother was arrested in Italy, Texas, after she allegedly stabbed three of her children to death and and injured two more of her children Friday, sources told WFAA.
The mother has been identified as 25-year-old Shamaiya Hall.
Sources said three elementary school-aged kids (a 6-year-old and two 5-year-olds) were found dead inside a home near Stafford Elementary School in the small Ellis County town on Friday afternoon.
Two other children (4-year-old and 13-month-old) were injured and were transported by helicopter to a local hospital with stab wounds. Their conditions are unknown.
Child Protective Services confirmed to WFAA that all five children were siblings.
Sources with CPS told WFAA that Hall allegedly stabbed her children when a CPS worker, who suspected Hall was having unsupervised visitations with her children, arrived at the scene to check on her unannounced.
The children had been previously placed by CPS under the guardianship of another relative.
The Ellis County Sheriff's Office confirmed that CPS had been at a home on the street where the crime took place, and then quickly called 911 for help.
There is no current additional threat to the greater community, officials said.
CPS provided WFAA the following statement: "We are shocked by this incomprehensible tragedy, and already working with law enforcement to investigate how this happened, and why,"
Added Ellis County Judge Todd Little in a statement of his own: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and citizens of Italy."
Italy ISD said in a statement that counselors will be available at the school on Monday morning. Any family or community members can also seek counseling on Monday morning at Central Baptist Church main campus, the district said.
Hall was booked into the Wayne McCollum Detention Center and has been charged with three counts of capital murder. A judge has issued $2 million bond for each charge, totaling $6 million.