LEXINGTON, KY — July 13, 2025 – A peaceful Sunday morning was shattered by a horrifying act of violence at Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. Authorities have now identified the suspected gunman behind the deadly shooting rampage as Guy E. House, a local resident with a long criminal history.
According to law enforcement and multiple sources, House opened fire on congregants at the church in what is being described as a targeted attack. The violence left two women dead and two men injured, one of whom remains in critical condition, while the other is reported to be in stable condition.
Victims Identified
The two individuals who tragically lost their lives have been identified as:
- Beverly Gum, 72, a cherished member of the church community who was known for her gentle nature and lifelong dedication to her faith and family.
- Christina Combs, 32, remembered by friends and loved ones as a vibrant young woman who was deeply involved in local outreach programs and children’s ministries.
Both women were pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind devastated families and a community now gripped by grief and disbelief.
The Suspect: Guy E. House
Guy E. House, the alleged shooter, was killed on scene by law enforcement responding to the incident. House was reportedly known to authorities due to a lengthy criminal record and has recently drawn attention on social media for extremist rhetoric, including pro-Palestinian statements, conversion to Islam, and pro-immigration sentiments. Officials are currently working to determine whether his ideology played a role in the attack or if personal grievances were involved.
Preliminary information suggests that House may have had a known connection to individuals within the church, though investigators have not released a definitive motive.
Other Victims and Officer Injured
Two male victims were also wounded in the shooting. One of them, Pastor Jerry Gumm, husband of Beverly Gum, is currently undergoing emergency surgery and remains in critical condition. A second male victim is being treated and is in stable condition.
Before the church shooting, House was also involved in a separate incident in which he shot a Kentucky State Trooper and carjacked a vehicle after being stopped by authorities alerted by a license plate reader. The trooper is recovering and expected to survive.
Investigation Ongoing
The shooting prompted a large-scale response by local and state authorities, including Lexington Police and the Kentucky State Police. Investigators are combing through body camera footage—three officers discharged their firearms during the response—and are working with federal agencies to examine House’s background, online activity, and any possible affiliations.
A Community in Mourning
What was meant to be a morning of worship became one of Lexington’s darkest days. The congregation of Richmond Road Baptist Church and the broader Lexington community are now in mourning, gathering for vigils and support services as they begin to process the trauma of the events.
Faith leaders, elected officials, and community advocates are urging unity and compassion in the days ahead, while also calling for answers and justice for the victims.
Anyone with further information or video related to the incident is urged to contact the Lexington Police Department’s tip line or Crime Stoppers at 859-253-2020.
Let us remember:
Beverly Gum, 72
Christina Combs, 32
Their lives mattered. Their stories deserve to be told. May their memories be a blessing to all who knew them.
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