Full Breakdown
Parent Charged with Murder Following Shooting at Kentucky State University
12/11/2025, 6:51:02 AM
Incident Overview
On December 9, 2025, a shooting occurred at Kentucky State University (KSU) in Frankfort, resulting in the death of 19-year-old student De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr. and leaving another student critically injured. The alleged shooter, Jacob Lee Bard, a 48-year-old parent of a KSU student from Evansville, Indiana, has been charged with murder and first-degree assault. The incident took place outside Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, a residence hall on campus, during what police described as a physical altercation.
Details of the Shooting
The shooting unfolded around 3:10 p.m., prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Officers arrived on the scene within minutes, apprehending Bard shortly thereafter. According to reports, the altercation leading to the shooting was captured on video, which has circulated on social media. The specifics of the confrontation, including whether it involved Bard's sons, remain unclear, as police have not disclosed details regarding the motive or circumstances leading to the incident.
Victims and Response
De’Jon Fox was pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly after the shooting, while the identity of the second victim has not been released. KSU President Koffi C. Akakpo expressed condolences, stating, “As a parent, I cannot imagine receiving the call I placed today to the parents.” Following the shooting, KSU canceled all classes, final exams, and campus activities for the remainder of the week, prioritizing student mental health during this period.
Official Statements
Governor Andy Beshear characterized the shooting as an isolated incident, assuring the public that there was no ongoing threat. “This was not a mass shooting or a random incident,” he stated. Assistant Chief of Police Scott Tracy echoed this sentiment, confirming that the incident involved specific individuals and that campus police were present during the altercation.
Criticism & Opposition
While the university has emphasized its commitment to safety, some students and community members have expressed concerns about campus security, particularly given that this was the second shooting incident at KSU in four months. The first incident occurred in August, when multiple shots were fired from a vehicle, injuring two non-students. Critics argue that more proactive measures are needed to ensure student safety.
What's Next
Jacob Lee Bard is scheduled to make his first court appearance on December 11, 2025. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with the Franklin County Coroner’s Office set to release autopsy results in 14 to 16 weeks. University officials have indicated they will evaluate campus safety protocols following the investigation's conclusion.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Violence has no place in our commonwealth or country. Let’s please pray for the families affected and for our KSU students,” — Governor Andy Beshear
- “We’re mourning the loss of one of our students,” — KSU President Koffi C. Akakpo
- “This was an isolated incident involving these specific individuals,” — Assistant Chief Scott Tracy
Kentucky State University, a historically Black institution with approximately 2,200 students, continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event as it seeks to support its community during this difficult time.
