Lexington, Kentucky — A man is facing multiple charges after a violent rampage that left two women dead and a state trooper injured at a local church on Sunday. Guy House, 47, was reportedly on his way to a domestic violence hearing scheduled for Monday when the fatal incident unfolded.
Relatives of the victims recounted harrowing details of the shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church. Star Rutherford, a family member of the deceased, shared that House arrived at the church seeking one of her sisters. When informed that she was not present, House chillingly declared, “Well I guess someone’s going to have to die then,” before he shot 72-year-old Beverly Gumm, Rutherford’s mother, in the chest. The violence continued with the death of Christina Combs, 34, who is believed to have been another sister of Rutherford’s.
The shooting spree escalated after an earlier confrontation between House and law enforcement. During a traffic stop near Lexington’s airport, he opened fire on a state trooper who had initiated the stop due to active arrest warrants linked to House. The trooper was injured but is currently reported to be in stable condition. Two additional men were critically wounded during the attack at the church.
Witnesses to the earlier traffic stop described the scene as seemingly routine until the gunfire erupted. “It just sounded like any other stop, then I heard shots,” said Larissa McLaughlin, who saw the incident unfold. According to authorities, Good Samaritans rushed to assist the injured trooper, likely preventing a more serious outcome from his injuries.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with police yet to establish a clear motive for House’s violent actions. Local officials confirmed that House had not been seeking the mother of his children during the traffic stop, adding a twist to an already complex situation. The community had previously known House due to these domestic violence issues.
After a manhunt ensued, police located House in the church’s parking lot, where he was confronted by officers. Following a brief exchange of gunfire, House was killed by police. Officials have not disclosed the details surrounding the altercation leading to his death.
The tragic events have prompted responses from state officials. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urged residents to pray for the victims and their families, emphasizing the need for community healing in the wake of such senseless violence. State Attorney General Russell Coleman also pledged the support of his office to local agencies as the investigation progresses.
This incident has rocked the tight-knit community of Lexington, where churches often serve as safe havens. As the investigation continues, residents face the grim reality of the violence that enveloped what is typically a place of worship and solace.