Who are Lexington church shooting victims? What we know as tributes pour in for two women killed in Kentucky

A Lexington church was the target of a shooting incident that claimed the lives of two female victims, multiple outlets reported. Police confirmed that the firearm attack in the Kentucky city also injured two male churchgoers. Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Chief, shared a statement (via Reuters). 

“The suspect fired his weapon at individuals on church property. Preliminary information indicates that the suspect may have had a connection to the individuals at the church. Four individuals were shot on church property. Two female victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.”

According to Reuters, Gary Ginn, Fayette County Coroner, identified the Lexington church shooting victims as 72-year-old Beverly Gumm and 32-year-old Christina Combs. After the news broke out, Rachael Barnes, a Kentucky native, confirmed that the deceased were her mother and younger sister in a Facebook post. 

In a separate post, Barnes also wrote that all four victims were related to her. Rachel said that her stepdad, Jerry Gumm, and brother-in-law, Randy Combs, were also shot, apart from her mother and sister. According to Beverly’s Facebook profile, she married Jerry Gumm in April 2001. Jerry is the pastor at Richmond Road Baptist Church, where the gun-related incident happened. 

Beverly’s daughter, Christina, married in April 2016, per her FB bio. She shared five children with Randy, Rachel Barnes confirmed in a post. She also shared a Spotfund fundraiser created to help her family. Barnes also revealed that Christina was supposed to graduate in December to be a nurse.

Community pays tribute to victims of the Lexington church shooting that claimed two lives

A recent incident of gun violence at Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky, claimed the lives of Beverly Gumm and Christina Combs. Rachel Barnes, who previously mentioned the Lexington church shooting on Facebook, reposted LEX 18’s story and confirmed that her mother and sister have died. She wrote, 

“My mom Beverly Gumm and my Lil sister Christina Combs  i love you guys so much  i cant belive this is real.” 

According to Reuters, Police Chief Lawrence Weathers confirmed that one of the remaining two victims at the Lexington church was in critical condition following a hospitalization. At the same time, the other victim was stable. Christina Combs’ other sister, Star Jones, shared an update on Facebook by writing, 

“As most of you know. I lost both my sister Christina Combs and mother Beverly Gumm  today in the shooting at Richmond Rd Baptist Church. Randy Combs is awake and Jerry Gumm is sedated from surgery. I appreciate the prayers and thoughts.” 

Many from the community paid tribute to the mother-daughter duo and shared their condolences with Jones under her post. 

“I am so sorry for your loss. It is unimaginable. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if I can do anything for you,” Liz Everman wrote. 

“We are continuing to lift your family in prayer. If we can do anything at all to help please let me know,” Carol Anne Barnes added. 

“Praying for you & your entire family. Peace to you all during this absolutely heartbreaking time,” Anne Calder Barrett commented. 

“I'm so sorry Star, I'm praying for all of ya"ll, I'm praying hard. Anything you need just reach out i will be happy to help, I loved your Momma, and Christina, again, I'm so sorry,” Lisa Jourdan sent her condolences. 

“My heart breaks for your family and our church family! Love you all! Praying for healing for Bro. Jerry and Randy! There are just no words for such a tragic loss. Hugs,” Macie McNew Testerman replied.

For the unversed, the police have yet to disclose the identity of the suspect, but the chief revealed in his statement:

“The suspect was shot by responding law enforcement and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The suspect’s information will be released after their family is notified.” 

According to Kentucky State Police, before targeting people at the Lexington church, the suspect had allegedly shot a trooper and fled. The said incident happened at 11:36 am on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Fayette County.