CRIME

A Dark Sunday in Lexington: Church Shooting Leaves Community in Shock

Lexington, Kentucky, USATue Jul 15 2025

Lexington, Kentucky - A peaceful Sunday turned tragic when a man opened fire at a local church.

The Incident

The suspect, Guy House, began his rampage earlier that morning by shooting a state trooper during a traffic stop. He then fled the scene, carjacked a vehicle, and headed to Richmond Road Baptist Church.

At the church, House shot and killed two women:

  • Beverly Gumm
  • Christina Combs

Two other men were critically injured:

  • Jerry Gumm
  • Randy Combs

Police arrived quickly and shot House, who died at the scene.

The Victims and the Suspect

The victims were all related, and House was known to the family. He had a troubled past, struggling with mental illness and drug addiction.

His former girlfriend, Angel Rutherford, shared that their relationship was difficult and that he had previously been ordered to attend drug court.

The Investigation

Police have not yet revealed a clear motive, but it seems House was looking for Rutherford, who was not at the church.

The investigation is now being led by the Kentucky State Police, who are looking into House's criminal history and the events leading up to the shooting.

Community Impact

This tragedy has left the Lexington community in shock, highlighting the urgent need for better mental health support and drug rehabilitation programs.

The trooper who was shot is in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.

questions

    What specific events led up to Guy House's decision to open fire at the church?
    How did the emergency protection order against Guy House impact the sequence of events?
    What measures could have been taken to prevent the shooting given Guy House's known issues with mental illness and drug addiction?

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