A family friend claims that the system failed the son of the Lakewood suspect who was shot in the head

Genesse Moreno entered Lakewood Church on Sunday afternoon and opened fire, but her troubled history, marked by encounters with law enforcement, court records, and concerning social media posts, had already set off warning signals according to her estranged family.

Moreno, aged 36, had brushes with the law dating back to 2005, initially facing misdemeanor charges. Over the ensuing 19 years, she had intermittent run-ins with law enforcement, with charges spanning from forgery to assault to theft. Before the church shooting, Moreno’s last arrest occurred in 2022 by the Katy Police Department, where officers discovered two firearms in her vehicle during a traffic stop. Although she spent two days in jail, the authorities destroyed the confiscated guns.

Despite her legal entanglements, Moreno legally obtained at least one gun in December 2023.

In addition to her criminal record, civil records reveal a lengthy battle with mental illness. Divorce records from Harris and Montgomery counties depict a troubled relationship between Moreno and her husband, Enrique Carranza. Carranza described Moreno as a diagnosed schizophrenic who became abusive during their marriage, with mental health issues exacerbating her behavior. Furthermore, Carranza alleged that Moreno neglected her medication during pregnancy, leading to their premature son being born with drugs in his system.

Divorce documents also revealed accusations of abuse leveled against Carranza by Moreno, with Carranza’s mother, a rabbi, intervening in the divorce proceedings. Concerns over Moreno’s mental health and state child welfare involvement were highlighted in affidavits submitted by Carranza’s mother.

Law enforcement discovered one of Moreno’s firearms inscribed with “Palestine” and containing antisemitic writings, according to reports. Carranza’s Jewish heritage is believed to have fueled Moreno’s alleged antisemitism.

Moreno’s former mother-in-law condemned her actions but emphasized that mental illness, not religion, should be blamed for the violence.

Carranza, a registered sex offender, initially obtained custody of their son, which he later lost during the divorce finalized in Montgomery County. Currently incarcerated in Florida for failure to register as a sex offender, Carranza’s situation further complicates the custody issue.

Moreno stands accused of bringing their 7-year-old son to the church attack, with the child critically injured in the incident. The family blames the failure of Child Protective Services and inadequate gun laws for the tragedy. They also criticize Moreno’s social media presence, where she portrayed herself as a real estate investor and exhibited concerning behavior, including posts featuring firearms.

In the aftermath, the family laments the failure of the system to prevent the tragic outcome, underscoring the need for stronger measures for individuals with psychiatric issues who pose a threat to others.