A tragic and violent sequence of events unfolded in Lexington, Kentucky, on July 13, 2025, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including the gunman, and multiple injuries to civilians. The series of shootings began with an initial confrontation between the suspect and a Kentucky State Trooper and culminated in a deadly incident at Richmond Road Baptist Church.
Law enforcement officials from both the Lexington Police Department (LPD) and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) have released detailed information about the events, which have left the community shaken. The incident is still under investigation as authorities work to piece together the circumstances surrounding this horrifying day.
The Series of Events: How the Tragedy Unfolded
The Initial Confrontation: Shooting of a Kentucky State Trooper
The first violent event of the day occurred at 11:36 a.m. when Guy House, the 34-year-old suspect, opened fire on a Kentucky State Trooper during an encounter in Fayette County. Details regarding the cause of the confrontation remain scarce, but the shooting took place in a location that was not connected to Blue Grass Airport, which was initially suspected.
The trooper was struck by the gunfire but managed to survive, being transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Fortunately, the officer is now reported to be in stable condition after undergoing medical procedures. Law enforcement officials have not released the trooper’s identity, but they have praised the officer’s courage in the face of danger.
After the shooting of the trooper, Guy House fled the scene, beginning what would become a deadly rampage.
The Fleeing Suspect: Carjacking and Arrival at Richmond Road Baptist Church
Following the shooting of the state trooper, House proceeded to carjack a vehicle, adding to his violent actions. He drove to Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, where he arrived just after 12:30 p.m. The church, located at 5800 Old Richmond Road, became the site of the second part of his rampage.
At this point, reports indicate that House opened fire on several people inside the church. Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact number of victims or their identities, but there have been multiple injuries. Emergency medical services (EMS) responded quickly to the scene and provided on-site care to the victims before transporting them to local hospitals for further treatment.
While the exact details regarding the victims’ conditions have not been made public, it is known that two women—Beverly Gumm, 72, and Kristy McCombs, 32—were pronounced dead at the scene. Two male victims were transported to local hospitals with injuries that are not life-threatening.
The Final Confrontation: Law Enforcement Response
At approximately 1:00 p.m., law enforcement officers from both the Lexington Police Department and the Kentucky State Police converged on the church. A confrontation between House and officers ensued, with law enforcement engaging the suspect in an attempt to prevent further harm.
At this time, it is unclear whether House died from self-inflicted wounds or whether police action led to his death. Official statements have not provided clarity, and the Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team has joined the investigation to provide oversight and transparency in the handling of the officer-involved shooting.
House was pronounced dead at the scene following the altercation with officers.
The Impact: A Community Shaken by Violence
The shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church and the shooting of a Kentucky State Trooper have left the Lexington community in shock. The two women who lost their lives, Beverly Gumm and Kristy McCombs, were beloved members of the community. The incident has also raised serious concerns about gun violence, the safety of public spaces, and the impact of these kinds of events on local residents.
Remembering the Victims: Beverly Gumm and Kristy McCombs
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Beverly Gumm: A 72-year-old grandmother, Beverly was known for her kindness, community involvement, and deep love for her family. Her loss is particularly painful for those who knew her, as she was a central figure in her neighborhood and church. The tragedy of her death has left her loved ones and church community grappling with grief.
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Kristy McCombs: A 32-year-old mother, Kristy was described as a dedicated and compassionate person who always prioritized others. She was well-loved by her peers and colleagues, and her sudden death has shaken the entire community.
The Impact of Gun Violence in the Community
The events of July 13, 2025 serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by gun violence in public spaces. The presence of firearms, particularly in situations involving mental health crises or unresolved conflicts, continues to plague communities across the country.
Residents of Lexington are now grappling with the aftermath of this incident, which has left families torn apart and individuals questioning their safety in familiar places. Local officials, including Lexington’s Mayor Linda Gorton, have expressed their condolences and vowed to work together to prevent further violence in the future.
Investigations and Legal Proceedings: Searching for Answers
The Role of Law Enforcement
Following the tragic events, law enforcement agencies from across the state have come together to piece together the timeline of events and understand what led to House’s actions. The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team has taken over the investigation of the shooting of Guy House, while the Lexington Police Department continues to investigate the shootings at Richmond Road Baptist Church.
Authorities have been gathering evidence, reviewing surveillance footage from the church, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing statements to determine House’s motivations and actions throughout the day. It is expected that the investigation will shed light on House’s history and any prior criminal activity, mental health issues, or external factors that may have contributed to his violent actions.
Community Reactions and Calls for Justice
In the wake of the tragedy, local residents and community leaders are rallying to support the families of the victims. A vigil has been planned to honor Beverly Gumm, Kristy McCombs, and other victims who have been affected by violence in the community. Mothers of Murdered Children, a grassroots organization, has called for stronger gun control measures and more robust support systems for individuals at risk of committing violent acts.
At the same time, the Lexington City Council is expected to hold a special session to discuss measures to improve public safety and address the rise of violence in local neighborhoods.
Mayor Linda Gorton expressed her sympathy, saying, “This senseless violence has torn apart our community. We will work together to heal, ensure justice for the victims, and prevent further tragedies from happening.”
The Road Ahead: Moving Toward Healing and Justice
As the investigation continues, law enforcement agencies are expected to release more details about the circumstances surrounding Guy House’s actions. In the meantime, local residents, leaders, and families of the victims are coming together in a display of solidarity, support, and hope for justice.
This event serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked violence, as well as the importance of communities coming together to prevent and address such issues.
As the city of Lexington mourns, the road to healing will be long, but with continued effort, compassion, and resilience, they will overcome this tragedy and work towards a safer and more peaceful future.