'A very tragic scene': Investigation into Lexington shootings at Terminal Dr., church now under Kentucky State Police

Law enforcement officials are gradually filling in details of Sunday's violent incidents.

What's known so far is that a still-unnamed KSP trooper received a license plate tag alert on Terminal Dr., near Blue Grass Airport, and during interactions with occupants inside the stopped vehicle, the officer was shot by one occupant. The other individuals in the car are cooperating with police.

"The subject — later identified as Mr. Guy House, a 47-year-old male from Lexington — was known to have active arrest warrants," KSP Sgt. Matt Suddith told the media Monday afternoon.

Despite those warrants, Suddith said KSP could not yet comment on why or how House was armed.

"Obviously he had a firearm because of what we know, but I can't speculate as to how he got that," Suddith said.

Also unknown: why the license plate triggered an alert in the first plate.

Local citizens stopped to aid the downed KSP officer and officials are working to locate them. In the meantime, KSP is sending its thanks to those who helped the officer, who remains in stable condition at a local hospital.

Following the first shooting, House then allegedly forcibly obtained a vehicle. Lexington police later confronted the suspect at Richmond Road Baptist Church, a small, close-knit congregation made up of family and friends, after at least four people sustained injuries on site.

"The officers that responded to the church encountered a very tragic scene," LPD Chief Lawrence Weathers reported.

House allegedly shot and killed two women — Christina Combs, a 34-year-old female from Lexington, and Beverly Gumm, a 72-year-old female from Lexington — and two men, who are being treated for life-threatening injuries. Their names are not being released at this time.

"At least three Lexington Police Department officers discharged their agency-issued firearms, striking Mr. House and resulting in fata injuries," the KSP spokesman said. "Once the scene was secure, officers began to address the injuries of the victims and Mr. House, and attempted to provide life-saving measures."

As for what comes next in the probe, Suddith said it's too early to speculate on when further details will be confirmed.

"To protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation, it is the Kentucky State Police's standard operating procedure not to release specific details until vital witnesse3s have been interviewed and pertinent facts have been gathered," he said. "Timelines to complete these investigations vary depending on complexity of the case."

According to court records, House was convicted of at least seven crimes prior to Sunday's events.

As officials investigate the motive behind Sunday’s deadly shootings, a family member of four of the victims says the gunman was looking for her sister, with whom he had an 18-year relationship.

Adriana Star Rutherford says her mother, Beverly Gumm, and sister, Christina Combs, were killed.

"Christina, she was sharp as a tack... she knew everything any anything when it came to medical knowledge, and Mom, she was just a mamma hen. She would take care of anybody," Adriana Star Rutherford said.

Rutherford also confirmed that her father, Jerry Gumm, the pastor of Richmond Road Baptist Church, and her brother-in-law Randy Combs were also shot.

Joint Statement from Mayor Linda Gorton and Police Chief Lawrence Weathers:

“Today, we join our community in mourning a painful act of violence – one that can tear at the fabric of what makes Lexington so special. Now, more than ever, it’s important that we don’t let this tragedy divide us, but instead lead us closer together.

Our strong and steady relationships with our public safety partners were on full display yesterday. We extend our shared thanks to the men and women of the Lexington Police Department, the Kentucky State Police, and the many first responders from multiple agencies whose swift and dedicated actions helped protect our community.

Technology also played a critical role in yesterday’s response. With support from the Lexington Police Department’s Real Time Intelligence Center and the courage of Lexington’s law enforcement community, lives were saved.

Our ONE Lexington team has been working around the clock to ensure that those affected by yesterday’s senseless acts of violence have direct access to the resources and services they need to begin healing. ONE Lexington is available to support anyone directly affected by yesterday’s events and in need of community-based support. Individuals can contact ONE Lexington by emailing KPayne@lexingtonky.gov.

In moments like these, unity becomes our greatest strength. We ask that you join us in praying for the victims’ families, the congregation at Richmond Road Baptist Church, and lifting up all those touched by this senseless tragedy.”