Tragic Incident at Kentucky Church

A mother and daughter from a Lexington church tragically lost their lives, while two other individuals sustained injuries during a violent incident on Sunday. It all started near Bluegrass Airport when Kentucky troopers halted a vehicle after a license plate alert. The driver shot at a trooper, fled the scene, and subsequently carjacked another vehicle. Thankfully, the troopers are stable.

Law enforcement pursued the carjacked vehicle to Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, where gunfire erupted, resulting in injuries to four people.

“Preliminary information suggests that the suspect might have had ties to individuals at the church,” said Lawrence Weathers of the Lexington Police Department.

During the altercation, law enforcement managed to fatality shoot the gunman.

The Richmond Road Baptist Church, described as a close-knit community, consists mainly of members who are either family or long-time friends.

“It’s incredibly tough in times like these,” Weathers noted.

The assailant fatally shot 72-year-old Beverly Gum and her daughter Christina Combs. According to reports, the gunman, who has yet to be identified, entered the church and began inquiring about people. At that moment, Gammu and another daughter, Star Rutherford, were preparing lunch in the church cellar. When informed that Rutherford’s sister was unavailable, the gunman declared, “someone will have to die,” and then shot Gammu before turning outdoors to kill Combs. He also wounded church pastor Jerry Gummum and Gummum’s husband, Randy Combs.

Friends and family described Gum as a devoted member of the church, which is known for its love and camaraderie.

Star Rutherford reflected on her mother’s character, sharing that Gammu was “a faithful member of the God-loving church.”

Both Gum and Combs were engaged in “serving the Lord,” as Rachel Burns, Rutherford’s sister, conveyed, adding that Combs was a mother of five.

“They were both wonderful moms,” Burns remarked.