Beverly Gumm, Kristina Combs Obituary, Death: 3 killed, including gunman, in shootings that injured KSP trooper and 2 others
Beverly Gumm, Kristina Combs Obituary, Death – Three people are dead, including a suspect, and three others—two civilians and a Kentucky State Police trooper—are injured after a violent sequence of shootings on July 13 in Lexington, Kentucky, authorities said.
According to Lexington Police, the incident began just after 11:30 a.m. when a state trooper was shot during a traffic stop on Terminal Drive, near Lexington’s airport. The vehicle had triggered a license plate reader alert, prompting the stop. After shooting the trooper, the suspect fled the scene.
Shortly afterward, the suspect reportedly carjacked a vehicle and was tracked by police to Richmond Road Baptist Church. There, he opened fire on individuals on church property, killing two women and injuring two men. Responding officers from the Lexington Police Department confronted the suspect at the scene. Three officers fired their weapons, fatally striking him. Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers confirmed the officers involved have been placed on administrative duty during the investigation, which is standard procedure.
The two women killed at the church have been identified as 72-year-old Beverly Gumm and 32-year-old Kristina Combs, according to Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn. He noted that the church community is a small, close-knit group, with many members either related or lifelong friends.
The two male victims were hospitalized, one in critical condition and the other in stable condition. The injured state trooper is also said to be in stable condition and is receiving treatment.
Police are still investigating the motive, but preliminary findings suggest that the suspect may have had a personal connection to individuals at the church. The suspect’s identity has not been released, pending notification of his family.
Kentucky State Police and the Lexington Police Department are jointly conducting the investigation. Officials continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to piece together the full timeline of the events.
Governor Andy Beshear responded to the tragedy in a social media statement, asking Kentuckians to pray for the families affected. “Each one is a child of God gone too soon,” he wrote. He also thanked both the Lexington Police and State Police for their quick and courageous response.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman issued a statement expressing support for the officers and victims. “This is a tragic reminder of the danger law enforcement faces every day,” he said. “We go to houses of worship for peace, faith, and fellowship. In the face of this violence, we turn to God in prayer for the injured trooper and grieving families.”
Authorities emphasized that this remains an active and evolving investigation. Updates are expected as more information becomes available.
