UPDATE: A shocking shooting at Kentucky State University has left one student dead and another critically injured, prompting authorities to charge a parent with murder. Jacob Lee Bard, a 48-year-old from Evansville, Indiana, was arrested following the incident that occurred on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, around 3:10 p.m.
According to the Frankfort Police Department, Bard, the father of two KSU students, allegedly opened fire inside the campus residence hall, Young Hall. Tragically, De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr., a 19-year-old sophomore, succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to Frankfort Regional Medical Center. A second, unnamed student remains in intensive care, raising grave concerns among the campus community.
The campus was immediately placed on lockdown following the shooting. KSU police apprehended Bard within minutes, ensuring the safety of other students. During a court appearance on Thursday, December 11, Bard entered a not guilty plea and was ordered to be held on a $1 million full cash bond at the Franklin County Regional Jail.
Authorities have described the shooting as an isolated incident, asserting that there are no ongoing threats to campus safety. Nonetheless, KSU has canceled all classes, final exams, and activities for the remainder of the week, leaving students and staff in shock.
In a poignant statement to WRTV, Fox’s mother, April Terrance, shared the family’s devastation, saying, “No one expects something of this nature to happen when sending their children to school.” The community has rallied to support Fox’s family, launching a GoFundMe that has raised over $2,200 towards a $3,500 goal for funeral expenses.
Footage of the altercation has surfaced online, showing a chaotic scene that police have confirmed is part of their ongoing investigation. The Frankfort Police Department and the Franklin County Coroner’s Office continue to examine the details surrounding this tragic event.
As the investigation unfolds, students and faculty at KSU are left grappling with the aftermath of this violence. The emotional impact on the campus is profound, with many wondering what steps will be taken to ensure safety in the future.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
