Kentucky Church Gunman, Once ‘Wanted Person of the Week,’ Carries Out Shooting Before Domestic Violence Hearing
Gunman Opens Fire During Kentucky Church Service, Killing Two and Wounding Others
A man identified as Guy House, age 47, carried out a deadly shooting at a Baptist church in Lexington, Kentucky, just a day before he was scheduled to appear in court for a domestic violence case. House, who had previously been labeled a “wanted person of the week,” entered the Richmond Road Baptist Church on Sunday afternoon seeking the mother of his three children. After entering, he realized her absence and reportedly declared, “Well, someone’s gonna have to die,” before opening fire.
House wounded and killed multiple individuals during the attack, including the mother’s mother and sister. The victims have been identified as Beverly Gumm, 72, and Christina Combs, 32. Both their husbands — Jerry Gumm, the church’s longtime pastor, and Randy Combs — were shot but survived. Combs was injured, while her husband Randy was critically hurt. Police confirmed that House shot at a state trooper, carjacked a vehicle, and fled approximately 16 miles away to the same church, where he was eventually shot dead by officers.
The incident occurred after House was pulled over near Lexington’s airport in a traffic stop. Authorities disclosed that House had a criminal history, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and charges of wanton endangerment of an officer, theft, fleeing, and receiving stolen property. Records show he was also publicly recognized in 2022 as a “wanted person of the week.”
Social media profiles suggest House aspired to be an influencer under the name “HonKy Kong” and featured selfies, including one where he donned a keffiyeh-style scarf. His recent criminal actions coincide with a background marked by multiple law enforcement encounters.
Officials expressed shock and sorrow over the violence. Kentucky’s Governor urged prayers for those affected and praised law enforcement’s rapid response, while the state Attorney General assured support for ongoing investigations into the attack. The church community, described as close-knit, was left mourning the loss of two members and the trauma of the shooting.