A man with a long criminal record and scheduled court appearance for domestic violence went on a shooting spree on July 13, 2025, injuring a trooper and killing a mother and daughter at a church. The police used fatal force to stop him. The incident highlights gaps in domestic-violence enforcement and protective measures.
đź•’ Timeline of Events
| Time (ET) | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|
| ~11:35 a.m. | Near Blue Grass Airport (Terminal Drive) | Guy House, age 47, was pulled over in a traffic stop triggered by a license‑plate reader alert. During the stop, he opened fire, striking a Kentucky State Police trooper. |
| 11:36 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | Blue Grass Airport Road | Passing drivers administered first aid to the injured trooper before emergency responders arrived. |
| ~12:00 p.m. | Road near Lexington | House carjacked a vehicle (no one injured), then fled the scene—driving 15–16 miles to the church. |
| ~12:30 p.m. | Richmond Road Baptist Church | Services were underway. House entered, searching for his ex-partner (mother of his children), and upon not finding her said, “Someone’s gonna have to die.” He then opened fire. |
| Immediately following | Inside/outside church | He shot at least four people: Beverly Gumm (72) and Christina Combs (34) were killed; two men—Reverend Jerry Gumm and Randy Combs—were wounded and taken to hospital (one in critical condition). |
| Shortly after | Church parking lot | Three responding officers exchanged fire; House was fatally shot. |
| ~Afternoon | Lexington area | Airport operations, briefly disrupted, soon returned to normal. |
🔍 Victims & Status
- Beverly Gumm, 72 (church member) – killed
- Christina Combs, 34 (Gumm’s daughter) – killed
- Reverend Jerry Gumm (husband of Beverly) – injured, critical
- Randy Combs (husband of Christina) – injured, hospitalized
👤 Perpetrator: Guy E. House
- Age/Residence: 47-year-old from Pewee Valley, KY.
- Criminal History: Over 40 charges across four counties. In Feb 2023, sentenced to probation for felony gun possession, fleeing police, wanton endangerment, and resisting arrest, plus an hours-long standoff in 2022. He had a domestic violence hearing scheduled for July 14, 2025.
- Domestic Connection: He entered the church looking for his ex-partner, mother of his three children (also nieces/nephews of some victims). When told she wasn’t there, he issued the chilling remark and began shooting
- Mental Health & Substance Use: According to family members, he had documented mental health struggles and a methamphetamine habit; he was reportedly under influence at the time.
đźš“ Law Enforcement Response
- The trooper was shot and secured the suspect vehicle until backup arrived. Bystanders at Airport Road administered crucial first aid.
- At the church, three Lexington PD officers opened fire; House was killed in the exchange. These officers—wearing body cams—are now on administrative leave as their actions undergo internal review.
- Kentucky State Police leads the broader investigation; critical incident and public integrity units are involved.
🏛️ Reaction & Investigation
- Gov. Andy Beshear and Attorney General Russell Coleman condemned the violence, calling it an attack on law enforcement and the faith community.
- Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn noted the small, tight-knit nature of the congregation, describing the tragedy as deeply affecting parishioners.
- The suspect had active arrest warrants and had been flagged earlier. A protective order had been issued against him just days before
- Evidence such as body-camera footage and witness statements are now being reviewed. Authorities say motive beyond the domestic connection remains under investigation.
đź’” Aftermath & Ongoing Impact
- The community is rallying around the wounded and the families of Beverly Gumm and Christina Combs—fundraisers have been organized to assist them.
- Roads were temporarily shut near the airport and church during the incident. Flights resumed once the active scene was cleared.
- Investigators will evaluate whether GPS-enabled protective orders or other domestic violence reforms could have prevented this tragedy.
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