What began as a routine traffic stop near Blue Grass Airport on July 13 quickly turned into a nightmare for the Lexington community. A suspect opened fire on a Kentucky state trooper, then fled the scene by carjacking a vehicle. His path of violence led him to Richmond Road Baptist Church—where tragedy struck again.
At the church, the suspect began shooting, taking the lives of two women and injuring several others before being fatally shot by police.
The victims were identified as **34-year-old Christina Combs** and **72-year-old Beverly Gumm**. Two men were also wounded in the attack—one of them critically. Authorities have not yet released the name of the suspect but believe he may have known someone at the church.
The injured state trooper, thankfully, is in stable condition.
Christina Combs, a mother of five, worked at a local hospital and was close to completing nursing school. Friends and coworkers described her as warm, selfless, and deeply devoted to her children. “She always wanted to help others,” said a family friend. “She was going to be a phenomenal nurse.”
Beverly Gumm was known as the “rock” of her family. Her daughter described her as kind, strong, and always full of faith. “She loved her church and her community. That was her second home,” she said.
The sudden violence has left the Lexington community shaken and heartbroken. What should have been a peaceful Saturday became a day of mourning. Vigils have been held, and online fundraisers have been launched to support the victims’ families.
State officials and church leaders have expressed their deep condolences. “This was an unthinkable act of violence,” said one local pastor. “But even in darkness, we will stand together in faith, love, and hope.”
As the investigation continues, many are left asking *why*. In the aftermath, one thing is clear: the lives lost will not be forgotten, and the strength of the community will help carry those left behind.