Tragedy at Kentucky Church: Two Women Killed in Shooting Rampage
A deadly incident unfolded on July 13 when a traffic stop near Blue Grass Airport escalated into a shooting. The suspect shot a Kentucky state trooper, then fled by carjacking a vehicle and driving to Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington. There, he opened fire, tragically killing two women and injuring others before being fatally shot by police.
The victims were identified as 34-year-old Christina Combs and 72-year-old Beverly Gumm. Two men were also injured, one critically. Authorities believe the suspect may have had a connection to someone at the church, though his identity has not yet been released. The trooper who was shot is reported to be in stable condition.
Christina, a mother of five and hospital employee close to completing nursing school, was described as caring and devoted. Beverly, remembered by her daughter as the heart of their family, was praised for her strength and kindness. Community members have launched fundraisers to support their grieving families.
As the investigation continues, the Lexington community mourns and seeks healing. State leaders have expressed condolences and gratitude to first responders. What was once a peaceful place of worship is now the scene of a heartbreaking tragedy, leaving many searching for understanding and comfort.
Two women killed at Kentucky church as gunman opens fire after shooting officer
Getty ImagesTwo people have been fatally shot at a church in Kentucky after a car chase that began with a gunman shooting and injuring a police officer, officials said.
The suspect shot a state trooper during a traffic stop before car-jacking a vehicle and driving to Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, where he opened fire at parishioners, before law enforcement shot him dead.
Two women, aged 72 and 32, died in Sunday’s incident at the place of worship, and two male parishioners were injured, said police.
Investigators believe the suspect had a connection to individuals at the church. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear posted on X that “violence like this has no place in our commonwealth or country”.
Local authorities have identified the suspect as 47-year-old Guy House.
The initial shooting occurred at 11:36 local time (15:36 GMT) on Sunday near the Blue Grass Airport, a regional hub in Fayette County.
A state trooper pulled over Mr House’s car on Terminal Drive after receiving a registration plate reader alert, Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers told a news conference. He said that incident had no connection to the airport.
The suspect shot the trooper, inflicting non-life threatening injuries, according to Chief Weathers.
The gunman then carried out a car-jacking, during which the vehicle’s occupant was not hurt, before driving towards the church about 16 miles (25km) away, with law enforcement in pursuit.
“The suspect fired his weapon at individuals on church property,” Chief Weathers said.
“Preliminary information indicates that the suspect may have had a connection to the individuals at the church.”
Four people – two males and two females – were shot on church grounds.
An official from the county coroner’s office named the two women as Beverly Gum, 72, and Christina Combs, 32. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
The two male victims were transported to a local hospital, with one sustaining critical injuries and the other in a stable condition.
“The suspect was shot by responding law enforcement and was pronounced deceased at the scene,” said Chief Weathers, adding that the gunman’s identity would be released once next-of-kin had been notified.
The county coroner official said the church was small and most attendees were either related or close friends.
“It’s a very tight-knit group of people,” he added.
The incident was being investigated by the Kentucky State Police and the department’s Public Integrity Unit.