In a series of tragic events that unfolded on Sunday, July 13, 2025, the city of Lexington, Kentucky was left in shock after three individuals were killed, including the suspect, and several others were injured, including a Kentucky State Trooper. Authorities have released new information, identifying the victims as Beverly Gumm, 72, and Kristy McCombs, 32, who were fatally shot at Richmond Road Baptist Church. The suspect has been identified as Guy House, who also was involved in two other shootings prior to the church incident.
This horrifying series of events began early in the day with the shooting of a Kentucky State Trooper on Terminal Drive, followed by a carjacking, and culminating in a deadly confrontation at the church, where law enforcement confronted and fatally shot House.
The Series of Events: How the Tragedy Unfolded
The First Shooting: A State Trooper Wounded
The day’s events began around 11:36 a.m. when Guy House allegedly shot a Kentucky State Trooper on Terminal Drive in Fayette County, near Blue Grass Airport. According to initial reports from the Lexington Police Department, the trooper was shot while responding to an undisclosed incident in the area. It’s important to note that while the shooting occurred near the airport, the incident was not related to airport operations or security.
The injured officer was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where they were listed in stable condition. While the details surrounding the initial confrontation remain unclear, the shooting of a law enforcement officer immediately escalated the situation, prompting an extensive search for the suspect.
Carjacking and Escalating Violence
Following the shooting of the state trooper, House is believed to have carjacked a vehicle in the 3700 block of Belleau Wood Drive. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during this carjacking, and the vehicle was subsequently used by House to flee the scene.
With the help of the Lexington Police Department’s Real-Time Intelligence Center and Air Support Unit, authorities were able to track House’s movements in the stolen vehicle. The investigation showed that House was headed toward Richmond Road Baptist Church, located in the 5800 block of Old Richmond Road, a place that would soon become the site of even greater violence.
The Fatal Confrontation at the Church
At approximately 12:30 p.m., police responded to reports of an active shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church. Upon arrival, officers encountered House, leading to an officer-involved shooting. House was shot by police officers and was pronounced dead at the scene. Tragically, two female victims, Beverly Gumm and Kristy McCombs, were found at the church, having suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
In addition to the two women who died, two men were also shot at the church and were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The names and conditions of these male victims have not been publicly released, though they are reportedly stable.
Law Enforcement Response and Immediate Action
In the aftermath of the church shooting, Lexington Police emphasized the swift and coordinated response by local officers and emergency medical services. The rapid actions of law enforcement not only stopped House but also ensured that no additional victims were harmed in the ongoing situation. Authorities are currently investigating the series of incidents that led up to the fatal shootings at the church.
Lexington Police spokespersons have offered their thoughts and condolences to the victims’ families, acknowledging the emotional toll this event has had on both the victims and the larger Lexington community. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of transparency and oversight in such cases, noting that the Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team has been brought in to handle the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
The Victims: Remembering Beverly Gumm and Kristy McCombs
The lives lost during the shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church—Beverly Gumm, 72, and Kristy McCombs, 32—have left a profound impact on their families, friends, and the entire community. While details surrounding their personal lives remain limited, early tributes from those who knew them paint a picture of two women deeply connected to their families, church, and community.
Beverly Gumm, a 72-year-old grandmother, was described as a beloved member of her family, known for her kindness and unwavering support. Her death has devastated her children, grandchildren, and friends, who have taken to social media to express their grief and support for her family during this difficult time.
Kristy McCombs, a 32-year-old mother, was also recognized as a devoted family member and friend. Those who knew her remembered her for her caring nature and her strong bond with her church community. Her loss, like Gumm’s, has left an unfillable void in the lives of those close to her.
Both women were reportedly at the church during a scheduled event or gathering, though the exact circumstances that led to their presence at the church at the time of the shooting have not been clarified. The violent nature of their deaths, combined with the fact that they were innocent bystanders in a senseless act of violence, has caused a wave of outrage and sorrow across the community.
The Suspect: Guy House and the Investigation
Guy House, the suspect in the shootings, was fatally shot by police officers following the shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church. Authorities have provided limited information about House’s background, but they have confirmed that his actions on Sunday, July 13, 2025, involved a carjacking, shooting a state trooper, and ultimately, the murders at the church.
House was known to have been armed and dangerous, and his decision to engage in such violent acts has left authorities struggling to comprehend the motive behind the attacks. According to police sources, the investigation into House’s actions is ongoing, and they are working to uncover what led to his escalation of violence.
Law enforcement officials have not confirmed any prior relationship between House and the victims, though they have indicated that this was an isolated incident. Investigators continue to examine House’s history and potential connections to other violent crimes in the area.
A Community in Shock: Grieving and Seeking Answers
The events that unfolded in Rocky Mount on Sunday morning have left the community in mourning, with local leaders and residents expressing both grief and frustration. Mayor Andrew Ginther, in his public statement, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of life and called for the community to come together in support of the victims’ families. “No one should have to go through this kind of tragedy,” he said. “We need to be there for each other in times like these.”
Several community groups, including Rocky Mount Together and Youth for Change, have vowed to organize support and memorial services for the victims. These groups are also calling for greater efforts to reduce violence in the area and to provide youth with alternative ways to resolve conflict peacefully.
Moving Forward: Ensuring Justice and Safety
As the investigation into the tragic events of Sunday, July 13, 2025, continues, authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that might assist in piecing together the details of what led to this deadly shooting.
The Rocky Mount Police Department has promised that it will leave no stone unturned in its pursuit of justice for the victims. “We will continue to investigate this senseless act of violence,” said Police Chief David Whitson. “We owe it to the victims and their families to get to the bottom of what happened.”
As more details emerge, residents and leaders alike are coming together to ensure that similar tragedies do not occur in the future. The shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church is a heartbreaking reminder of the power of violence, but it is also an opportunity for the community to unite and advocate for a safer future.
Conclusion: A Community Grieves and Reflects
The loss of Beverly Gumm and Kristy McCombs is a deep wound to the Rocky Mount community. As the investigation into their deaths continues, the community is left to reflect on the impact of violence on its residents, particularly in places where people come together to worship and build relationships.
The swift actions of law enforcement may have prevented further tragedy, but the grief felt by the families of the victims and the larger community is undeniable. As the days pass, the focus remains on remembering the lives of the victims, seeking justice, and working together to prevent future violence in the community. The tragedy, while devastating, has sparked renewed efforts to address gun violence and ensure a safer environment for all.