Kentucky church tragedy: Shooter due in court for domestic violence hearing the next day
A quiet Sunday morning in Kentucky turned into a nightmare as a man gunned down two women inside a Kentucky church—just one day before he was set to appear in court for a domestic violence hearing.
Authorities say Guy House, 47, arrived at Richmond Road Baptist Church, reportedly searching for the mother of his children. But what followed was unimaginable.
“Well I guess someone’s going to have to die then,” he declared, before shooting 72-year-old Beverly Gumm in the chest, according to Star Rutherford, a relative of the victims, who spoke to WKYT-TV.
House also killed Christina Combs, 34, whom local media identified as Rutherford’s sister. Two men were critically injured in the same attack, police confirmed on Monday.
Rutherford’s harrowing account adds chilling context to an already disturbing event. House had been due in court the next day for a domestic violence case—though not involving the woman he was allegedly looking for at the church.
“Today, violence invaded the Lord’s House,” said State Attorney General Russell Coleman, voicing the shock shared by many in the close-knit Lexington community.
The horror didn’t start at the church. It began nearly an hour earlier.
Police say House shot a state trooper during a routine traffic stop near Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport. The trooper, whose identity has not yet been released, is in stable condition thanks to the quick help of nearby citizens.
“Without the assistance of several Good Samaritans, this likely could have been a very life-threatening injury,” said Kentucky State Police Sgt. Matt Sudduth.
House had active arrest warrants. The traffic stop was triggered by a license plate reader alert, according to officials. After shooting the trooper, House fled the scene, forcibly hijacked a vehicle, and drove to the church.
That’s when the bloodshed continued.
Lexington police later found House in the church’s rear parking lot. Officers opened fire, killing him on the scene. At least three officers discharged their weapons.
Investigators are still piecing together House’s motive. But what’s already clear is the lasting trauma left behind.
“Please pray for everyone affected by these senseless acts of violence,” urged Governor Andy Beshear. “And let’s give thanks for the swift response by the Lexington Police Department and Kentucky State Police.”
The attack has left residents stunned. Richmond Road Baptist is a small rural church, where most members are either relatives or lifelong friends. Now, they’re grieving a double tragedy—both personal and collective.
Deputy Clerk Matt Ball of Fayette County confirmed that House’s hearing had been scheduled for Monday, just one day after the shootings.
There are more questions than answers right now. But one thing is certain: a sacred space was shattered. A community was rocked. And the pain will linger long after the headlines fade.
For deeper insight into how local leaders and residents are coping, see how the Lexington community leaders reacted to the deadly church shooting in the immediate aftermath.
