BREAKING: A parent has been charged with murder following a tragic shooting at Kentucky State University that left one student dead and another critically injured. Jacob Lee Bard, 48, from Evansville, Indiana, is accused of opening fire on December 9, 2025, during an altercation at Young Hall on campus.
The shooting occurred at approximately 3:10 p.m., prompting a swift lockdown of the university. Tragically, De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr., a 19-year-old sophomore, succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to the Frankfort Regional Medical Center. An unnamed second student remains in critical condition.
Authorities report that Bard, who is the father of two other KSU students, was taken into custody by campus police. During his court appearance on December 11, he entered a not guilty plea and was ordered to be held on a $1 million cash bond at the Franklin County Regional Jail.
According to a press release from the Frankfort Police Department, the incident appears to have stemmed from a dispute between students. Bard allegedly produced a handgun during the altercation, leading to the tragic violence. Despite the shocking nature of the event, police believe it was an isolated incident and have stated that there are currently no ongoing safety concerns on campus.
In response to the shooting, KSU has canceled all classes, final exams, and activities for the week, prioritizing student safety and emotional support.
The family of Fox, devastated by his loss, described him as a loving young man who brought joy to those around him. His mother, April Terrance, expressed the heartbreak of losing her son, stating, “No one expects something of this nature to happen when sending their children to school.” In an effort to support the family with funeral expenses, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched and has already raised over $2,200 of its $3,500 goal.
As the investigation continues, footage of the altercation has surfaced online, confirming the sequence of events leading to the shooting. Police are reviewing the material as part of their ongoing inquiry.
The Frankfort Police Department and the Franklin County Coroner’s Office are actively investigating this disturbing incident. As more details emerge, the community remains in shock, grappling with the implications of such violence on campus.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
