Police: Aunt confesses to savage attack

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A nine-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy are recovering after being stabbed multiple times, allegedly by their own aunt. Police say the woman confessed to the attack.

It happened around 8pm Wednesday at a home on Greens Road and Mesa in northeast Harris County.

"When I stepped outside, I saw the sheriff's department and the yellow tape surrounding the house and I knew something drastic had happened," said neighbor Jody Carter.

Carter was stunned to learn two neighborhood children were stabbed by someone they all know.

"All I know is she's a quiet person and those are good kids," said neighbor Garrett Epps. "This is a good family."

Regina Umagat, 28, the children's aunt, was watching them Wednesday night while the kids' grandparents ran to the store. Police say 30 minutes later, both children had been stabbed repeatedly with a kitchen knife.

Umagat has lived in the house off and on for years and just moved back a couple of months ago. She is bipolar, causing Child Protective Services to investigate whether she was fit to babysit.

"We look at whether someone was knowingly left in the care of children, if they are a danger to themselves or others," said Estella Olguin with Child Protective Services.

While Umagat has no history of violence with the children, she is behind bars, charged with two counts of injury to a child. Meantime, her neighbors are clinging to hope for the children's recovery.

"Just praying for the children, hoping they're OK," said Carter.

Both children are at Memorial Hermann Hospital. We understand the girl's injuries are more serious than the boy's. Their parents live outside the country.

Umagat is facing two counts of injury to a child.

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local, elissa rivas

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