Lexington, KY – July 13, 2025 – A violent series of shootings that unfolded in Lexington, Kentucky, has left three people dead, including the suspected gunman, and several others injured, including a Kentucky State Police (KSP) trooper. The tragic events, which took place on July 13, 2025, are still under investigation by the Lexington Police Department and Kentucky State Police, with more details expected to emerge as the investigation continues.
The Incident Unfolds: KSP Trooper Shot During Traffic Stop
The series of violent events began just after 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, when Kentucky State Police responded to a traffic stop on Terminal Drive, near Lexington’s airport. The vehicle involved in the stop had triggered a license plate reader alert, prompting law enforcement to make the stop.
During the traffic stop, the suspect shot a KSP trooper, leaving him injured. Witnesses and law enforcement officials quickly reported that the suspect immediately fled the scene after firing at the trooper. The trooper, who sustained injuries during the confrontation, was quickly transported to a nearby hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
A Violent Escalation: Carjacking and Multiple Shootings at Richmond Road Baptist Church
After the shooting of the state trooper, the suspect carjacked a vehicle and continued to flee from police officers. Authorities soon tracked the suspect to Richmond Road Baptist Church, located on Old Richmond Road. At this point, the situation escalated further as the suspect opened fire at the church.
Inside the church’s premises, two female victims were tragically killed in the gunfire. The victims were identified as Beverly Gumm, a 72-year-old woman, and Kristina Combs, a 32-year-old woman. Both women were well-known members of the church community, which is described as a small, close-knit group of people, many of whom are lifelong friends or family members.
In addition to the two deceased victims, two male victims were injured during the shooting. One of them is reported to be in critical condition, while the other is in stable condition. Both victims were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment.
Police Response: Gunman Confronted and Shot
When Lexington Police Department officers arrived at the scene of the Richmond Road Baptist Church shooting, they were able to locate the suspect. As the situation continued to unfold, a confrontation between the officers and the suspect led to three officers firing their weapons, fatally striking the gunman.
The suspect, whose identity has not been publicly released, was pronounced dead at the scene. The circumstances surrounding his actions and the motives behind the violent incident remain under investigation. Authorities have not released further details regarding whether the suspect had any personal connection to the church or its members.
The Victims: Remembering Beverly Gumm and Kristina Combs
The two women who lost their lives in the shooting, Beverly Gumm and Kristina Combs, are being remembered by their loved ones, church members, and the wider community.
Beverly Gumm, 72, was a long-time member of Richmond Road Baptist Church. According to those who knew her, Gumm was known for her kindness, faith, and unwavering dedication to her community. She was a trusted figure at the church, where she contributed to various church activities and events. Her passing has left a deep void in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Kristina Combs, 32, was also a dedicated member of the church community. Described by those close to her as a warm and compassionate person, Kristina was deeply involved in church activities and had many close relationships with fellow members. Her tragic death, along with Beverly Gumm’s, has left the church community mourning the loss of two beloved individuals.
Law Enforcement’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
The law enforcement response to this horrific event was swift and coordinated. Lexington Police Department and Kentucky State Police worked together to secure the area and ensure that there were no further threats to public safety. The presence of law enforcement was immediately felt in the community, as officers from various agencies arrived to provide assistance and ensure that the scene was secured for investigation.
During a press conference, Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers and Kentucky State Police spokespersons emphasized the importance of public cooperation as investigators continued to work on piecing together the timeline of events. They appealed to the public for any information that could help clarify the suspect’s motive and to confirm if there were any additional connections between the suspect and the victims. Authorities are also reviewing surveillance footage from the church and surrounding area to gather additional evidence.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued a statement in response to the tragedy, offering condolences to the victims’ families and expressing his appreciation for the swift action of law enforcement officers who responded to the situation. “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the entire Lexington community,” Governor Beshear stated.
A Community in Shock: Mourning and Moving Forward
The community in Lexington is reeling from the violent act that took place in the heart of the church community. Residents have expressed shock and disbelief that such a tragedy could unfold in their peaceful neighborhood, especially at a place of worship.
In the wake of this horrific act of violence, Richmond Road Baptist Church has become a center for mourning, and members are coming together to support one another. Church leaders have called for unity and peace as they process the loss of two cherished members of their community. A memorial service for Beverly Gumm and Kristina Combs is being planned, and church members are planning to gather in the coming days to pay their respects.
The Response from the Law Enforcement Community
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman expressed support for the officers involved in the incident, thanking them for their quick thinking and courageous response. “This is a tragic reminder of the danger law enforcement faces every day,” he said. He also offered his thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims and the injured trooper, urging continued cooperation from the public to bring clarity to the situation.
The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team has joined the investigation to provide oversight and transparency. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have made it clear that they are committed to fully understanding the sequence of events that led to this senseless act of violence.
The Gunman’s Identity and Possible Motive
At the time of this report, the identity of the gunman has not been released by authorities, but further details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues. Investigators are focusing on determining the motive behind the killings and whether the suspect had any personal connection to the victims. There are also questions about how the gunman gained access to firearms and why he targeted this particular church.
The public is being urged to remain patient as investigators work to piece together the full timeline of events, and to assist in any way they can by providing information that may help solve the case.
The Larger Context: Gun Violence and Safety Concerns
The tragic events that unfolded at Richmond Road Baptist Church highlight the ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety in the United States. Despite the recent decline in crime rates in some areas, gun violence continues to be a serious issue. Law enforcement agencies across the country are grappling with how to prevent mass shootings and respond effectively when such tragedies do occur.
This incident also raises questions about gun control measures, especially in public places such as churches, schools, and community centers. Many people have called for stronger laws regulating firearms and more comprehensive background checks for individuals purchasing guns. Advocates for change argue that while laws can’t completely prevent violence, better regulations can help reduce the number of tragic incidents like the one that occurred on July 13, 2025.
Looking Ahead: Seeking Justice and Healing
As the investigation continues and law enforcement works to bring closure to the families of Beverly Gumm, Kristina Combs, and the injured victims, the Lexington community remains in a state of mourning. The victims’ families have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support they’ve received from local residents, as well as the dedication of law enforcement officials working to ensure that justice is served.
In the coming weeks, the Lexington Police Department, Kentucky State Police, and other agencies involved in the investigation will release more information as it becomes available. The families of the victims are holding out hope for justice and for an explanation that will bring closure to this unimaginable tragedy.
The church community, which has been rocked by the loss of two of their own, will no doubt come together to heal and find strength in one another. As they prepare to remember the lives of Beverly Gumm and Kristina Combs, they are also committing to continue their work in the community, serving others and living out the values that these two women exemplified.