Tragic Lakewood Church Shooting Deemed 'Predictable and Preventable'
The tragic shooting at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church, which left a woman dead and a child critically injured, has been described as "predictable and preventable" by Walli Carranza, the suspect's former mother-in-law. Carranza, who identifies as a rabbi, spoke to ABC News about her former daughter-in-law Genesse Moreno's known mental health issues, emphasizing the overlooked warning signs that led to the unfortunate event.
Moreno, 36, who had a documented history of schizophrenia, was allowed to own firearms despite her condition. The incident, which unfolded on a Sunday, saw Moreno opening fire inside the church, resulting in her death by police officers' gunfire. Her 7-year-old son, Sam, was critically injured with a gunshot wound to the head and is currently hospitalized.
The details of the shooting resonated with Carranza, prompting her to contact the Houston police for a welfare check, fearing for the safety of Moreno and her grandson. Her worst fears were confirmed the following day when the police identified Moreno as the shooter.
The investigation into the motive behind Moreno's actions is ongoing, with police scrutinizing her mental health background and criminal record. Carranza revealed that she had previously reached out to Lakewood Church for support and intervention for Moreno, expressing disappointment in the lack of response.
Moreno's relationship with her faith and family was complex. Initially identifying with Islam, she later found herself in a dispute over the religious upbringing of her son with Carranza's son, Quito. Additionally, Moreno's contentious relationship with her mother, a parishioner of Lakewood Church, further complicated her life.
Carranza also disclosed Moreno's struggle with drug use during her pregnancy, which led to Sam being born prematurely and drug-exposed, drawing the attention of Child Protective Services from the start. Despite these red flags and government awareness, Carranza feels the system failed to provide adequate support and intervention.
Recalling a distressing incident where her young grandson found a gun in Moreno's possession, Carranza expressed her frustration with the oversight of Moreno's capability to own firearms. She plans to visit her grandson in the hospital, hoping to offer comfort through her presence and voice, despite feeling a profound sense of guilt for not being able to protect him from the horror of the shooting.
The shooting at Lakewood Church serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for mental health awareness and the importance of taking preemptive measures to prevent such tragedies. Carranza's story highlights the often-overlooked signs and the systemic failures that can lead to devastating consequences.
