2 women killed in Kentucky church shooting after gunman shot trooper, officials say
The two people who were killed were identified as Beverly Gum, 72, and Christina Combs, 32, the coroner said at a news conference. The suspect was also killed, Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said.
The suspect was later identified by the coroner as 47-year-old Guy House, who died from a gunshot wound at the church, CBS affiliate WKYT reported.
Two others, both men, were wounded by the gunman, Weathers said. "One victim was reported to have sustained critical injuries, and the other was reported in stable condition," said Weathers. The state trooper was in stable condition, Lexington police said in a statement.
Weathers said the shooter may have had a connection to the victims at the church.
The police chief said the shooting began after the trooper pulled over a vehicle near the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington.
After shooting the trooper before noon on Sunday, the suspect carjacked another vehicle and ended up at Richmond Road Baptist Church in southwest Lexington, state police said. No injuries were reported during the carjacking.
The shooting spree ended when Lexington police shot and killed the suspect, authorities said.
The trooper and two people who were wounded were being treated at a nearby hospital, the governor said.
"Please pray for everyone affected by these senseless acts of violence, and let's give thanks for the swift response by the Lexington Police Department and Kentucky State Police," Beshear said.
Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn said the church is home to a small, tight-knit congregation.
State Attorney General Russell Coleman said detectives with his office were ready to support local and state agencies. "Today, violence invaded the Lord's House," Coleman said in a statement. "The attack on law enforcement and people of faith in Lexington shocked the entire Commonwealth."
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