CONROE, Texas – Residents in a small neighborhood in the north Houston suburb of Conroe have been vocal about their encounters with the suspect in the recent shooting at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston. The suspect, Genesse Ivonne Moreno, had reportedly targeted, harassed, and threatened multiple neighbors in the years leading up to the tragic event.
On late Monday afternoon, six women from the neighborhood held a news conference to share their experiences with Moreno and express frustration about the lack of action taken in response to their reports. They claimed to have endured ongoing harassment, threats, and intimidation, feeling fearful to even step outside their homes.
Amidst the accusations, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner revealed that the shooting took place between church services on Sunday, resulting in injuries to a 7-year-old boy, who is currently fighting for his life, and the release of a 57-year-old man from the hospital. Moreno was fatally shot by two off-duty law enforcement officers who were present at the church during the incident.
While lawns in the neighborhood appeared orderly and neat, Moreno’s property stood out with its unique decorations. The neighborhood association president, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed frustration over the lack of action taken despite their efforts to seek help from local authorities, property management, and the media.
Moreno’s apparent dispute with her ex-husband’s family, some of whom are Jewish, may be linked to Sunday’s shooting, according to authorities. She was known to have a history of mental health issues and had been placed under an emergency detention order by Houston police in 2016. In addition, law enforcement records show that she had a previous arrest history, raising questions about the handling of the situation.
Several residents recounted their encounters with Moreno, with one individual claiming that Moreno had threatened her with a handgun and another revealing how Moreno had attempted to hit her while she was out walking in the neighborhood. Despite their efforts to seek help and assistance from local law enforcement, the residents felt let down by the lack of support and action taken.