A tragic series of events unfolded in Lexington, Kentucky, when a man shot a state trooper during a routine traffic stop before proceeding to a local church where he killed two women and injured two men in a devastating attack.
According to CNN, the incident began around 11:35 a.m. ET near Blue Grass Airport when a state trooper was shot after pulling over a vehicle on Terminal Drive following a license plate reader alert.
The suspect fled the scene and carjacked a vehicle, making his way to Richmond Road Baptist Church approximately 15 miles away, where he unleashed a deadly assault on churchgoers, prompting a swift response from law enforcement that ultimately ended in the suspect's death.
Family Connection Leads to Deadly Church Confrontation
Preliminary investigations revealed the suspect had connections to church members, specifically searching for the mother of his three children when he arrived at the property.
Star Rutherford, who witnessed the tragedy unfold, recounted how the gunman entered the church basement where she was preparing lunch with her mother, demanding to know the whereabouts of her sister, who shared children with him.
When informed his intended target wasn't present, the suspect allegedly declared "someone is gonna have to die then" before opening fire, leading to the tragic deaths of Beverly Gumm, 72, and her daughter Christina Combs, 34.
Mother-Daughter Victims Leave Behind Grieving Family
The shooting claimed the lives of two generations of women who were deeply involved in their church community, with both victims being related to the church's leadership.
Christina Combs, a mother of five including a 6-month-old baby, was pursuing her nursing degree and was close to graduation when her life was cut short in the attack.
Beverly Gumm, described by family members as a faithful church member who loved God, was shot in the chest while trying to avoid the gunman's initial shot, dying in her daughter Star Rutherford's arms.
Church Pastor Among the Wounded Survivors
The church's pastor, Jerry Gumm, and Randy Combs were both injured during the shooting, with one remaining in critical condition while the other is reported stable.
The small congregation, characterized by Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn as a tight-knit group largely composed of related families, was devastated by the attack that occurred during their Sunday service.
At the time of the shooting, a sermon was being livestreamed on Facebook, with Pastor Gumm having referenced death approximately ten times during his message before the violence erupted.
Kentucky Officials Rally Behind Victims
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has called for prayers for those affected by the violence while expressing gratitude for law enforcement's swift response to both shooting locations.
The incident prompted immediate reactions from state officials, including Attorney General Russell Coleman, who stated that "violence invaded the Lord's House" and shocked the entire Commonwealth.
Law enforcement officials have not released the suspect's identity as family notifications are pending, but confirmed that three responding officers engaged and fatally shot the suspect at the scene, bringing an end to the deadly rampage that began near the airport and culminated at the rural church location.
