Ohio Man Convicted of Sorority Shooting Plot Resides Near Target University
A man from Ohio, self-identified as part of the “incel” community, has been convicted for planning a shooting at a sorority and is now living just two blocks from the Ohio State University campus—one of his intended targets.
Justice Department Seeks Removal of Genco from Current Residence
The U.S. Department of Justice has expressed significant safety concerns regarding Tres Genco’s proximity to the university. A complaint filed on May 26 by the Justice Department, addressed to U.S. District Judge Susan Drott, outlines the government’s apprehensions surrounding Genco’s living situation.
Ohio State University Supports Government’s Motion
Ohio State University has aligned itself with the Justice Department’s motion. An OSU spokesperson stated that student safety remains the university’s highest priority, reinforcing the community’s concerns regarding Genco’s presence.
Proposed Conditions for Genco’s Supervised Release
The Justice Department is advocating for stricter conditions on Genco’s supervised release. Among the proposed measures is a requirement that he reside more than three miles from any university in Ohio, with his new residence needing pre-approval from the Probation Department. Furthermore, Genco would be prohibited from setting foot on university grounds without prior authorization.
Background on Genco’s Criminal Activities
Genco, hailing from Hillsboro, Ohio, was arrested in 2021 after his mother reported threats he made against her. Subsequently, he pleaded guilty to attempting a hate crime and was sentenced to six years in prison, followed by five years of supervised probation. His intentions, laid out in a document he titled “A Manifesto Written by Outcast Incel Torres Genco, ‘Symphony of Horror,'” included a planned attack against women at a university fueled by feelings of hatred and jealousy.
Requests for Monitoring and Contact Restrictions
In addition to residency limits, the Justice Department has requested monitoring software for Genco’s electronic devices and a prohibition on any contact with Thomas Develin, a former cellmate who is currently serving a sentence for manufacturing untraceable firearms and threatening Jewish institutions.
Defense Responds to Government’s Concerns
Genco’s public defenders have characterized the Justice Department’s safety concerns as “unfounded,” yet they have concurred on implementing electronic monitoring. While they acknowledged Genco’s request to avoid contact with Develin, they pointed out that Genco had a positive influence on Develin, even sharing his family’s Holocaust survivor history to counteract anti-Semitic beliefs. According to Genco’s lawyers, Develin’s parents assisted him in relocating to an apartment close to OSU in mid-May.
Potential Consequences of Government Action
Genco’s legal team argues that the proposed restrictions would cause undue hardship, destabilizing his living situation and financial status, and infringing on his personal freedoms. They contend that the Justice Department has previously had opportunities to impose these conditions before his supervised release but failed to do so. If the motion is successful, Genco could face even more stringent social stigmas than those placed on sex offenders, undermining his rehabilitation progress. Court records indicate that Genco was consistently employed and compliant during his previous residency, raising questions about the necessity of such severe interventions.
