Kentucky Church Shooter Identified as Rapper “HonKy Kong”

Authorities have identified the gunman involved in the deadly July 13 church shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church as 47-year-old Guy House, a Kentucky man known online by his rap alias "HonKy Kong." House fatally shot two women and wounded three men during the attack, which ended when he was killed by responding police officers.

House, an aspiring rapper with a small online presence, had posted videos under the moniker HonKy Kong, often rapping about personal struggles, rage, and social frustration. His style was marked by aggressive, confrontational lyrics and unfiltered rants, often filmed alone in his car or home. Family members and friends say he had recently exhibited signs of emotional and mental instability, describing his content as increasingly violent, erratic, and disturbing in the days leading up to the shooting.

According to those close to him, House was once seen as a caring individual who loved his children but struggled deeply with mental health, substance abuse, and a turbulent domestic situation. He was scheduled to appear in court the day after the shooting for a domestic violence hearing involving the mother of his children.

"This wasn't just a random act of violence," said one relative, who asked not to be named. "He was unraveling for a while. His music and posts were a cry for help, but they turned into something dark."

House's online presence included videos referencing violence against his ex-partner and disturbing comments foreshadowing the attack. In one recent post, he threatened to "Rambo a village" if he was kept from seeing his children.

Authorities confirm that on the day of the shooting, House wounded a Kentucky State Trooper during a traffic stop, carjacked a vehicle, and drove to Richmond Road Baptist Church. There, he fatally shot 72-year-old Beverly Gumm and her daughter, Christina Combs, after reportedly asking for his ex-partner by name. When told she wasn't present, he chillingly responded, "Well, someone's gonna have to die then."

The victims were longtime members of the church and family to House's ex-girlfriend. Three others, including Pastor Jerry Gumm, remain hospitalized.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Lexington community. Local leaders and law enforcement continue to urge calm and unity while investigations proceed.

 

 

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