Residents in a quiet neighborhood in Conroe, Texas, have come forward to share their disturbing encounters with Genesse Ivonne Moreno, the suspect in the recent shooting at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston. Six brave women held a news conference, shedding light on the ongoing harassment and threats they faced from Moreno, who often brandished firearms, making them fear for their lives.
Expressing their disappointment in officials, the women claimed that they had reported Moreno’s behavior numerous times, but their pleas for help fell on deaf ears. According to the victims, their distressing situation should have been addressed and resolved years ago. It is disheartening to learn that it took a tragic event for authorities to take notice and take action.
The shooting occurred on a Sunday afternoon, in between services at the Lakewood megachurch. Shockingly, Moreno’s 7-year-old son was present during the incident and sustained serious injuries. Houston Police Chief Troy Finner stated that the young boy is currently fighting for his life. However, the heroic actions of two off-duty law enforcement officers at the church prevented further tragedy. They returned fire, ultimately killing Moreno.
Authorities tried to make contact with Moreno at her residence but were unsuccessful. A sign requesting no contact was later placed on her front door, leaving many questions surrounding her home and her actions. The neighborhood, otherwise known for its orderliness, has been marred by the presence of Moreno’s residence, distinguished by a collection of concrete statues, wind chimes, and cameras. Interestingly, neighboring homes display Christian banners, but one property stands out with a “No Trespassing” sign adorned with an image of an assault rifle on the fence.
The courageous women who spoke out did everything in their power to address the escalating situation. They approached local officials, the police, and even property management, hoping for a resolution. Unfortunately, their efforts resulted in a cease-and-desist order being issued against them, leaving them feeling helpless and abandoned.
One of the victims recounted an incident on July 4, 2022, where Moreno allegedly threatened her with a handgun. Frustration is palpable as she expressed dismay at the lack of assistance from the Conroe police. It is clear that residents have been living in constant fear, with one resident sharing her terrifying encounters where Moreno attempted to strike her twice while she was out walking.
While authorities have yet to determine a motive for the shooting at Lakewood Church, they are considering a possible dispute between Moreno and her ex-husband’s Jewish family. A troubling history of mental health issues and prior legal troubles, including arrests and charges related to weapons possession and assaulting a public official, underscore Moreno’s unstable state of mind.
As this small community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event, it is evident that the individuals who spoke up against Moreno exhibited immense courage. Their accounts shed light on a disturbing pattern of behavior that was tragically ignored for far too long. As the investigation progresses, it is crucial that justice is served, not just for the victims of this shooting, but also for the brave individuals who felt unheard in their pleas for assistance and safety.
