Months before the tragic shooting at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston, residents in a small neighborhood in Conroe, Texas, had encountered the suspect, Genesse Ivonne Moreno, and were terrified by her behavior. Six women from the neighborhood held a news conference to shed light on their experiences and criticize the officials’ lack of response to their reports about Moreno. The women expressed their frustration, stating that this situation should have been addressed years ago.
The shooting took place on a Sunday afternoon between church services. Moreno entered the megachurch with her 7-year-old son and opened fire. The young boy was injured and fighting for his life, while a 57-year-old man was also struck but has since been released from the hospital. Two off-duty law enforcement officers who were present at the church were able to return fire and ultimately killed Moreno.
Attempts to reach Moreno at her residence were unsuccessful, as no one answered the door or responded to a business card left behind. However, a sign was later taped to the front door requesting privacy. The description of the neighborhood paints a picture of orderliness, with well-maintained lawns and a few Christian banners hanging on some homes. However, Moreno’s residence stands out with its small concrete statues, metal birds and butterflies, and wind chimes.
The women who spoke up about their experiences claimed that they had taken various steps to address the situation prior to the shooting. They had met with local elected officials, law enforcement agencies, and the property management company for the neighborhood. Despite their efforts, they felt that their concerns were not adequately addressed. One woman even reported an incident where Moreno threatened her with a handgun on July 4, 2022. The police documented the incident, but the women felt that their pleas for help went unanswered.
While authorities have not identified a clear motive for the shooting, they believe that a dispute between Moreno and her ex-husband’s family, who are of Jewish heritage, may have played a role. It was also reported that Moreno used an assault rifle with the word “Palestine” written on it during the shooting. Officials did not disclose the specific statements made by Moreno during the incident.
Further investigations into Moreno’s background revealed a history of mental health issues and multiple arrests dating back to 2005. She had been placed under an emergency detention order by Houston police in 2016 and had faced charges related to carrying a weapon and assaulting a public official.
The residents of the neighborhood expressed their fear and frustration, with one resident sharing how she had stopped walking in the area due to Moreno’s attempts to harm her. They called for action to be taken, emphasizing that this situation could have been prevented if their concerns had been addressed earlier.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of taking threats and concerns seriously, especially when individuals exhibit signs of violence or mental instability. The community is left grappling with the aftermath, questioning why more wasn’t done to prevent such a devastating event. As the investigation continues, it is crucial to learn from this incident and work towards improving response systems to ensure the safety and well-being of communities across the country.
