What began as a traffic stop near Blue Grass Airport on July 13, 2025, turned into a tragic series of events that led to a deadly shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. A Kentucky state trooper was shot during the stop, prompting the suspect to flee, carjack a vehicle, and travel to the church, where he opened fire on those present. The violence resulted in the deaths of 34-year-old Christina Combs and her 72-year-old mother, Beverly Gumm, and left two men injured. The trooper and one of the male victims remain hospitalized.

Authorities confirmed that the suspect was fatally shot by three officers at the scene. While his identity has not yet been made public, officials stated he may have had a connection to people at the church. The tight-knit congregation was left shaken by the sudden violence, which occurred during a live-streamed sermon. Pastor Jerry Gumm, who was preaching at the time, is believed to be a relative of the victims, adding another layer of heartbreak to the community’s grief.

In the aftermath, Rachael Barnes, daughter of Gumm and sister of Combs, shared emotional tributes online. She recalled her final moments with her mother and revealed that Gumm had written a book filled with family memories at her request—a book she never imagined reading so soon. Combs, a mother of five and a nursing student set to graduate in December, is survived by her husband, Randy Combs. Both women were deeply loved, and fundraisers have been launched to support their families.

State leaders, including Governor Andy Beshear and Senator Rand Paul, expressed their condolences and condemned the violence. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of two cherished women whose lives were cut short in an act of senseless violence, while also rallying around the injured and grieving.