In a shocking and violent sequence of events on Sunday, July 13, 2025, Lexington was rocked by a deadly rampage that left at least three people dead, including the suspect, and several others injured. The events began with a Kentucky State Trooper being shot during an attempt to apprehend Guy House, the 34-year-old suspect, and escalated to a mass shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church, where multiple civilian casualties were reported.
The Series of Events: How the Tragedy Unfolded
The Initial Encounter: Shooting of a Kentucky State Trooper
The tragic day began at approximately 11:36 a.m., when Guy House allegedly opened fire on a Kentucky State Trooper during an attempted apprehension in Fayette County, Kentucky. Authorities report that the confrontation was part of an ongoing situation that escalated into violence. House, armed and dangerous, shot at the trooper, wounding him in what has been described as an ambush-like scenario.
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) confirmed that the trooper sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Fortunately, the officer’s condition is stable, and he was transported to a nearby hospital for medical care. His identity has not been publicly disclosed, but law enforcement sources indicate that he is in stable condition after undergoing treatment.
The Shooter’s Escape: Carjacking and Journey to Richmond Road Baptist Church
After the shooting of the state trooper, Guy House fled the scene in a stolen vehicle, beginning what would soon turn into a violent rampage. It is believed that House then drove to Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, where he would carry out a second shooting that would leave the community in shock.
Mass Casualties at Richmond Road Baptist Church
At 12:30 p.m., Lexington police received reports of an active shooter at Richmond Road Baptist Church, located at 5800 Old Richmond Road. Upon arriving at the scene, police officers encountered House, who had already opened fire on several individuals.
Reports indicate that multiple people were injured during the shooting, and emergency responders rushed to the scene to provide medical assistance. Two women, Beverly Gumm, 72, and Kristy McCombs, 32, were confirmed dead at the scene, and two male victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The identities of the male victims have not been disclosed, but they are said to be in stable condition.
At the church, House was confronted by law enforcement. A gunfight ensued, and Guy House was fatally shot. It remains unclear whether his death was the result of self-inflicted wounds or police engagement, and the investigation is ongoing.
Police and First Responders’ Swift Actions
Despite the horrific events, the response from law enforcement and emergency medical teams was swift and coordinated. The Lexington Police Department and Kentucky State Police (KSP) worked together to secure the scene and ensure that additional victims were not harmed.
An outpouring of support from local police agencies, including SWAT teams and tactical units, was critical in containing the situation and preventing further violence. The rapid response from law enforcement was widely praised by officials who noted that it likely saved lives.
The Community’s Loss: Remembering the Victims
The loss of Beverly Gumm and Kristy McCombs has devastated the Lexington community.
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Beverly Gumm, a 72-year-old grandmother, was known for her deep connection to her family and community. Loved ones remember her for her warmth, kindness, and her unwavering support of her family. Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who knew her.
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Kristy McCombs, a 32-year-old mother, was a vital member of her community. Those close to her recall her selflessness and her strong bond with her church. Kristy’s tragic death, alongside Beverly’s, is being mourned deeply by those who knew them, and tributes are pouring in on social media and from local community leaders.
Both women were reportedly at the church for a scheduled event or service, though the details of their involvement in the church that day remain unclear.
Their untimely deaths, in the context of a senseless act of violence, have shaken the community to its core. In a place that was meant to be safe, they were tragically caught in a shooting that could have been even more devastating if not for the quick actions of law enforcement.
The Shooter: Guy House
Guy House, the 34-year-old suspect, was responsible for two separate violent incidents on July 13, 2025. The details surrounding his background and prior criminal activity have not been disclosed by authorities, but his actions on Sunday have left a trail of devastation.
Motive and Background
Law enforcement officials have yet to release any concrete details regarding House’s motive or his background. Some early reports suggested that House may have had a history of violent behavior, but no official confirmation has been made at this time.
House’s violent spree included the shooting of a state trooper, followed by a carjacking, and then the mass shooting at the church. His actions seem to have been impulsive and desperate, though the exact trigger for his rampage remains unknown.
The fact that House was able to carry out this violence in a relatively short period of time highlights the unpredictability and danger posed by armed individuals.
Law Enforcement’s Response
House’s actions have raised questions about the adequacy of law enforcement’s ability to prevent such tragedies and how much can be done to stop individuals from engaging in such violent acts. The fact that House was able to escape the scene of the initial shooting and proceed to the church suggests a gap in response time, though the ultimate intervention by law enforcement likely saved additional lives.
The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team has taken the lead in the investigation into the shooting, and police continue to review evidence, witness statements, and video footage from the church. It is expected that additional details will emerge as the investigation progresses.
Investigations and Ongoing Legal Actions
As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials are piecing together the events that led to these tragic shootings. The fact that Guy House was fatally shot by law enforcement raises significant questions about the use of force and how officers can best handle individuals who are intent on causing harm.
The Kentucky State Police and the Lexington Police Department are working together to gather evidence and ensure that all information is reviewed. Witnesses to the shooting at the church are being questioned, and any available surveillance footage will be analyzed to provide further insight into House’s actions.
It is unclear whether the police will face any repercussions regarding their engagement with House, as the investigation into the officer-involved shooting is still ongoing.
Community Reactions and Call for Justice
The events of July 13, 2025, have left the Lexington community in shock. Local leaders and residents alike are coming to terms with the senseless violence that unfolded in their city.
Mayor Linda Gorton expressed her condolences, saying, “This is a tragedy that has affected not only the families of the victims but our entire city. We mourn the loss of two precious lives, and we stand with their families in this heartbreaking time.”
The Lexington City Council has called for an increase in safety measures at places of worship, such as Richmond Road Baptist Church, and for increased community outreach to address issues related to gun violence.
Mothers of Murdered Children, a local advocacy group, has called for more stringent gun control measures and for greater intervention in communities plagued by violence.
Moving Forward: How the Community Is Healing
As the investigation progresses and authorities continue to piece together the events, the people of Lexington are coming together to support the families of the victims and to demand accountability. Several memorial services are being planned for the two women, and the community has expressed a desire to ensure that this tragedy does not go unanswered.
The grief that has gripped Lexington is palpable, but so is the resilience and the will to ensure that justice is served for those who lost their lives that day.
Conclusion: The Need for Change
This tragic series of events serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked violence and the fragility of safety in public spaces. While the loss of Beverly Gumm and Kristy McCombs is a deeply painful chapter for Lexington, it has also sparked a conversation about the importance of gun violence prevention, improved law enforcement training, and the need for community intervention.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are determined to provide justice for the victims and to ensure that no further violence will occur. For the families of the victims and the residents of Lexington, the road to healing is long—but the commitment to ensuring a safer future remains unwavering.