Genesse Ivonne Moreno Wiki, Age, Husband, Kids, Criminal Record & More

All About Texas Megachurch shooting suspect Genesse Ivonne Moreno

Genesse Ivonne Moreno (1987 – February 11, 2024) was a 36-year-old woman from Texas. She made headlines as the person identified by police in the shooting incident at Joel Osteen’s church in Houston on February 11.

Wearing a trench coat and carrying a backpack with a “Palestine” sticker, Moreno threatened a security guard with an AR-15 before entering Lakewood Church with her 7-year-old son.

Once inside, she started firing in the westside hallway, leading to a shootout with two on-duty law enforcement officers. Tragically, Moreno was shot and killed on the same day.

Houston police confirmed her identity the following day, revealing her son had suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was fighting for his life in the hospital. Investigations uncovered Moreno’s history of multiple arrests from 2005 to 2023 for charges including theft, assault, and forgery.

Despite her past support for the church through donations, Moreno’s actions on this occasion were alarming. Insights from her ex-husband, Enrique Carranza, currently in a Florida jail, highlighted her struggles with mental health issues, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.

What happened on the day of Lakewood church shooting?

On a Sunday just before 2 p.m., a distressing incident occurred at a former Houston Rockets NBA stadium turned church. Gunshots echoed through the vast space, unsettling worshippers who were gearing up for the Super Bowl later in the day.

Genesse Moreno entered the church armed with a long rifle, wearing a trenchcoat and carrying a backpack. Without warning, he began firing shots inside the church. Two off-duty officers, one from the Houston Police and another from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, bravely confronted Moreno, exchanging gunfire at close range.

Before being neutralized, Moreno asserted she had explosives, displaying what seemed to be materials for making bombs, including a yellow rope and substances resembling a detonation cord. However, subsequent investigations found no explosives or hazardous materials at the scene.

The off-duty officers shot and killed Moreno, preventing further harm. Two others, including Moreno’s young son who accompanied him, were injured in the incident.

The motive behind Moreno’s attack on the church, led by celebrity pastor Joel Osteen, remains unclear. Authorities are searching Moreno’s residence in Conroe, Texas, over 50 miles away from the church.

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Genesse Moreno Was Diagnosed with Schizophrenia

After getting married, Genesse Moreno faced tough times. Reports came out about her ex-husband, Carranza, saying she was abusive. He shared that Moreno had lupus but chose not to take medicine while pregnant.

Shockingly, she continued using other substances, leading to the premature birth of their son, who tested positive for these substances at birth.

Adding to the complexity, Moreno’s past is filled with legal troubles dating back to 2005. Charges against her include assaulting a public servant, forgery, possession of marijuana, theft, and evading arrest.

In 2016, concerns about her safety and that of others led to an emotional detention order, resulting in her transfer to a medical facility.

Moreno’s former mother-in-law has criticized Child Protective Services of Montgomery County and Harris County for not intervening despite Moreno’s documented untreated mental illness.

There’s also criticism towards the State of Texas for not having strong enough laws to prevent individuals like Moreno, with untreated mental illness, from owning firearms.

Genesse Ivonne Moreno Background

Genesse Ivonne Moreno was born in El Salvador in 1987. Details about her early life and family are scarce, although some reports suggest that she immigrated to the United States during her teenage years.

Upon arriving in Texas, like many Hispanic immigrants, Ivonne and her mother settled there. Adjusting to life in a new country presented its challenges for Moreno.

Between 2005 and 2009, she faced several arrests on different charges. In 2015, Moreno started working at Houston’s Spaghetti Warehouse, where she met Enrique Carranza. They became attracted to each other and eventually started dating. Just a few years later, they decided to elope.

Genesse Ivonne Moreno FAQs

Ques: What is the name of Genesse Moreno’s ex-husband?

Ans: Enrique Carranza.

Ques: What is the name of the shooter who attacked the Lakewood Church in Houston?

Ans: Genesse Moreno.

Ques: How old was Genesse Ivonne Moreno?

Ans: Genesse was 36.