FRANKFORT, Ky. — A parent of a Kentucky State University student has been charged with murder in an on-campus shooting that tragically took the life of one student and left another critically injured. Jacob Lee Bard, 48, allegedly opened fire at two students in a residence hall on the school’s Frankfort campus.
Investigators have indicated that the shooting was isolated, though details surrounding the exact circumstances and potential motive remain undisclosed. The incident resulted in the death of 19-year-old De’Jon Fox from Indianapolis, while a second unidentified student sustained critical injuries.
Bard was arrested immediately after the shooting, where university police were present at the scene. He has been charged with murder and first-degree assault. Bard, who is from Evansville, Indiana, is currently being represented by a public defender, and they have not commented on the case as of yet.
Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and witness video from the incident. When pressed about the investigations, Frankfort Assistant Police Chief Scott Tracy confirmed that it was premature to speculate on the events that may have precipitated the shooting. Reports of videos showing a fight involving Bard’s sons prior to the shootings were noted, yet Tracy withheld further information on the matter.
The shooting marks the second violent episode at the university in a span of four months. An altercation on August 17 resulted in multiple shots being fired from a vehicle, injuring two non-student victims. Following these events, University President Koffi C. Akakpo stated that additional security measures on campus would be evaluated post-investigation to ensure student safety at the public historically Black university.
With a student population of approximately 2,200, Kentucky State University continues to emphasize its commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment.
Investigators have indicated that the shooting was isolated, though details surrounding the exact circumstances and potential motive remain undisclosed. The incident resulted in the death of 19-year-old De’Jon Fox from Indianapolis, while a second unidentified student sustained critical injuries.
Bard was arrested immediately after the shooting, where university police were present at the scene. He has been charged with murder and first-degree assault. Bard, who is from Evansville, Indiana, is currently being represented by a public defender, and they have not commented on the case as of yet.
Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and witness video from the incident. When pressed about the investigations, Frankfort Assistant Police Chief Scott Tracy confirmed that it was premature to speculate on the events that may have precipitated the shooting. Reports of videos showing a fight involving Bard’s sons prior to the shootings were noted, yet Tracy withheld further information on the matter.
The shooting marks the second violent episode at the university in a span of four months. An altercation on August 17 resulted in multiple shots being fired from a vehicle, injuring two non-student victims. Following these events, University President Koffi C. Akakpo stated that additional security measures on campus would be evaluated post-investigation to ensure student safety at the public historically Black university.
With a student population of approximately 2,200, Kentucky State University continues to emphasize its commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment.
