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Grand Jury Clears Man in Kentucky State Shooting

12/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A Franklin County grand jury declined to indict Jacob Bard, a Franklin County resident, in the December 9 Kentucky State University shooting.
Bard's attorneys said he acted in self-defense after a group of 20 to 30 individuals attacked his family.
The incident, which killed 19-year-old De’Jon Fox Jr. and injured another student, led to Bard's release after the jury found insufficient evidence to charge him with murder or assault.

History

Historical Context

The 2022 Kentucky State University shooting, which resulted in the death of 19-year-old De’Jon Fox Jr., highlights ongoing debates about self-defense laws in the U.S. Following the incident, a grand jury declined to indict Jacob Bard, reflecting a trend since 2005, when 27 states enacted "Stand Your Ground" laws. This case underscores the complexities of self-defense claims amid rising gun violence discussions.

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Story summary

A Franklin County grand jury declined to indict Jacob Bard, a Franklin County resident, in the December 9 Kentucky State University shooting.
Bard's attorneys said he acted in self-defense after a group of 20 to 30 individuals attacked his family.
The incident, which killed 19-year-old De’Jon Fox Jr. and injured another student, led to Bard's release after the jury found insufficient evidence to charge him with murder or assault.

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