Tragic Shooting at Kentucky Church

On Sunday afternoon, Beverly Gummu and her daughter, Star Rutherford, were in the process of preparing lunch at the Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. According to reports, they informed a man that Beverly was not present, leading to a frightening confrontation.

Star mentioned to the Herald Leader that her mother had a unique way of expressing love—by feeding others, including the homeless and those in need. It was then that the man ominously stated, “Well, someone’s going to have to die,” and opened fire.

While Beverly managed to avoid the first shot, the second struck her in the chest, resulting in her death. The situation escalated further as the man left the church, fatally wounding another sister of Star, Christina Combs. He also injured two individuals, Jerry Gum, who is the church’s long-serving pastor and married to Beverly, as well as Christina’s husband, Randy Combs.

In an interview later, Star and her two sisters described the harrowing events. They identified the shooter as Guy House, who was reportedly searching for another sister, the mother of his three children.

Authorities stated that agents confronted and shot the gunman, and the Fayette County Coroner’s office later identified him as the assailant. House had prior encounters with law enforcement, including charges related to possession of stolen property and resisting police.

Just before the events at the church, House allegedly shot and killed a Kentucky state trooper, fleeing in a vehicle until he reached the church, where further violence ensued. Thankfully, the trooper was reported to be stable and receiving treatment.

Star shared a gut-wrenching moment, revealing that she held her mother as she passed. Beverly was a mother to eight children and was deeply involved in her church community.

Rachel Burns, another sister, commented on the loss, reflecting on the strength and love exemplified by their family members. She noted Christina Combs’s significant role as a mother to five, including a young baby, and her aspiration to graduate nursing school this December.

The sisters expressed their confusion regarding House’s motives, stating they were unaware of what provoked such violent actions.

As of Sunday night, Jerry Gum and Randy Combs were hospitalized but listed in stable condition, a small relief amid the tragedy.

Local sentiments reflected shock and sadness, with one nearby business employee commenting on the horrific nature of the incident.