A deadly Sunday shooting in Lexington, Kentucky, left two women dead and several others critically injured after a man opened fire during an apparent search for the mother of his children.

The violence began when Guy House shot a Kentucky State Trooper during a traffic stop, then hijacked a vehicle and attacked people at Richmond Road Baptist Church before being killed by police, Daily Mail reported.

According to authorities, House was stopped by a Kentucky State Trooper around 10:40 a.m. near Blue Grass Airport on Terminal Drive. The trooper had been alerted by a license plate reader, prompting the stop.

Violence Ignites Near Lexington Airport

During the stop, House fired a weapon at the trooper, hitting him. Witness Larissa McLaughlin, who was nearby, said she heard loud popping sounds and realized they were gunshots. She ran through the area shouting for help and warning others around the terminal.

The trooper sustained serious injuries but was conscious and stable when transported to the hospital. Bystanders, according to witness Gena Roland, rushed to assist the injured law enforcement officer before emergency crews arrived.

After the trooper shooting, House fled in a carjacked vehicle. Witnesses reported seeing him drive in the wrong lane as he sped away from the airport area, heading approximately 16 miles toward Richmond Road in Lexington.

Gunman Storms Through Church Basement

At the Richmond Road Baptist Church, several people were preparing a communal meal when House entered through a basement door. He confronted Beverly Gumm, 72, and her daughter Star Rutherford, seeking the mother of his three children.

When told that the woman was not present, House chillingly responded, “Well, someone is gonna have to die then,” according to Rutherford’s statement to the Lexington Herald-Leader. He then opened fire on those inside.

Gumm was shot in the chest and died at the scene. Outside the church, Christina Combs, 32, was also shot and killed. Both women had been active in community and church activities.

Multiple Victims Suffer Critical Injuries

Jerry Gumm, the longtime pastor of the church and husband of Beverly Gumm, sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to the hospital, where he remained sedated following surgery. Randy Combs, the husband of Christina Combs, was also shot but later regained consciousness.

The victims were remembered by family and community members for their dedication to their families and church. Christina, a mother of five, was studying to become a nurse and planned to graduate in December. Beverly was a mother of eight who often fed those in need, according to her daughter Dasey "Patches" Rutherford.

“They were both fantastic moms… serving the Lord when they died,” said Rachael Barnes, sister to the victims, expressing the family's shared grief and loss.

Suspect Killed in Police Encounter

The gunman’s rampage ended inside the Richmond Road Baptist Church when three police officers arrived and shot House, killing him at the scene. Law enforcement officials confirmed the rapid response likely prevented further fatalities.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued a statement expressing sorrow and urging the public to pray for all individuals impacted by the tragedy. He also thanked both local and state police for their swift action in a chaotic and tragic situation.

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton echoed those sentiments, offering condolences to the grieving families and promising a joint investigation between city and state agencies to fully uncover the motives and chain of events involved.

Community Gathers Support for Families

As the small Lexington community reels from the incident, efforts have begun to support the families affected. A fundraising campaign has been launched to cover funeral expenses for Beverly Gumm and to aid in Randy Combs' recovery.

Church members and neighbors have come together to provide spiritual and emotional comfort. Grief counselors were made available at the church earlier in the week, offering help during what many are calling one of the darkest episodes in the congregation’s history.

The investigation into what led House to commit the violent spree is ongoing. As police work to understand his actions, the community continues to mourn the lives lost and support those fighting to recover.