Church shooting in Lexington, Kentucky leaves 2 dead; trooper among injured

Two women were killed and two others were injured in a shooting at a church in Lexington, Kentucky, according to officials. A Kentucky State Trooper was also wounded earlier in a related shooting near the city’s airport. The suspect was later shot and killed by police.

The incident began around 11:36 a.m. on Sunday when the suspect shot a Kentucky State Trooper during a traffic stop near Blue Grass Airport on 4000 Terminal Drive, according to state police and local media. The trooper was taken to a local hospital and is in stable condition.

Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said the suspect fled and later carjacked a vehicle. No injuries were reported in the carjacking.

Officers tracked the vehicle to Richmond Road Baptist Church in the 5800 block of Old Richmond Road, where the suspect opened fire on individuals on church property, striking at least four people.

Chief Weathers said three Lexington officers discharged their weapons, killing the suspect. All were wearing body-worn cameras and have been placed on administrative assignment in accordance with department policy.

Two women were pronounced dead at the scene, while two men were transported to a local hospital—one in critical condition and the other in stable condition. Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn identified the victims as Beverly Gumm, 72, and Christina Combs, 32.

“This church was a small church and the majority of the individuals that attended church there are related—biologically or through longtime friendship,” Ginn said. The suspect’s identity will be released once next of kin is notified.

Chief Weathers said preliminary information indicates the suspect may have had a personal connection to individuals at the church.

“I’m heartbroken to share the shooting in Lexington at Richmond Road Baptist Church has taken the lives of two people,” said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear in a statement. “Please join Britainy and me as we pray for the families of those lost, each one a child of God gone too soon.”