Two women, Beverly Gumm and Christina Combs, tragically lost their lives in a shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. The incident unfolded after a traffic stop turned violent, leading to multiple shootings.
A devastating chain of events unfolded on July 13, 2025, when a violent shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky, left two women dead and several others injured. The tragedy began earlier that morning with a routine traffic stop that escalated into a deadly encounter, culminating in the loss of lives and a shaken community.
The Shooting Unfolds
At approximately 11:35 a.m. ET, a Kentucky state trooper conducted a routine traffic stop on Terminal Drive near Blue Grass Airport after a license plate reader triggered an alert. During the stop, the suspect opened fire on the trooper, injuring him before fleeing the scene in a stolen vehicle. The suspect then drove about 15 miles to Richmond Road Baptist Church, where the situation escalated further.
Once at the church, the shooter opened fire on individuals on the property, striking and fatally wounding two women, identified as Christina Combs, 34, and her mother, Beverly Gumm, 72. Two men were also injured in the church shooting; one remains in critical condition, while the other is stable. The trooper who was shot earlier is also in stable condition, according to local authorities.
The Shooter’s Death
The violence at the church ended when three responding officers shot and killed the suspect. Authorities have confirmed his identity but have withheld his name to allow time for family notification. Initial reports suggest the shooter may have had a connection to individuals at the church, but no further details have been released.
The Victims and Their Families
Christina Combs and her mother, Beverly Gumm, were well-known in their community, and their deaths have sent shockwaves through their family and friends. Rachael Barnes, the daughter of Beverly and the sister of Christina, shared heartfelt tributes on social media, expressing her grief and disbelief. In one post, Barnes shared how she would have never left her mother’s side had she known it would be their last day together.
Barnes also spoke about a book her mother had written at her request, filled with stories about Gumm’s family, friends, and children. She had asked her mother to write the book as a way to stay connected with her after her passing. “I never imagined I would be reading it so soon,” Barnes said in her post.
Christina Combs leaves behind her husband, Randy Combs, and five children. She worked at Saint Joseph Hospital and was studying to become a nurse, with plans to graduate in December 2025.
Community Reactions and Fundraisers
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As the community continues to process the devastating loss, fundraisers have been launched to support the families of the victims. Over $1,200 has been raised for Beverly Gumm, with a goal of $5,000, while more than $1,400 has been raised for Christina Combs, with a goal of $10,000. The funds are expected to assist with funeral expenses and provide support to the grieving families.
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In the wake of the tragedy, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Congressman Andy Barr, and Senator Rand Paul have all expressed their condolences. Governor Beshear confirmed that the suspect was involved in multiple incidents, including the shooting of the state trooper and the church shooting. He extended his thoughts and prayers to the injured individuals and their families.
Congressman Andy Barr shared his sadness over the violence, praising first responders for their efforts in addressing the situation. Senator Rand Paul also condemned the violence, emphasizing that such acts have no place in Kentucky.
Investigations Continue
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Authorities are continuing their investigation into the shooting and its connections. The community remains in shock as they try to make sense of the violent and tragic events that unfolded on that Sunday morning.
As the investigation continues, the families of the victims are left to grieve their devastating loss, and the wider community is left reeling from the impact of such senseless violence at a place of peace and worship.
