Frankfort, Kentucky — A tragic shooting at Kentucky State University has left one student dead and another critically injured. The alleged shooter, identified as Jacob Lee Bard, 48, a parent of two KSU students, has since been charged with murder.
The incident occurred on December 9, when Bard reportedly opened fire in the Young Hall area of the campus around 3:10 p.m. One student, De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr., 19, later died at Frankfort Regional Medical Center. Another unnamed student remains hospitalized in intensive care. Bard was apprehended at the scene by campus police and was quickly taken into custody.
Bard has been formally charged with murder and first-degree assault. In a court hearing on December 11, he pleaded not guilty to the charges. A judge has set his bail at $1 million cash, with Bard currently held at the Franklin County Regional Jail.
Authorities say the shooting stems from an altercation but have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding Bard’s presence on campus. The Frankfort Police Department has described the incident as isolated and reassured the community that there are no ongoing safety threats at KSU. In the aftermath, the university canceled classes and activities for the remainder of the week.
Family and friends are mourning the loss of Fox, whom they remember as a joyful young man who brought laughter to those around him. His mother, April Terrance, expressed her devastation, noting that parents do not expect such violence when sending their children to school.
In an effort to support Fox’s family with funeral expenses, a GoFundMe campaign has been established, raising over $2,200 toward its $3,500 goal. The outpouring of support reflects the impact Fox had on many within the KSU community.
Footage of the altercation has circulated online, and authorities are reviewing the video as part of their ongoing investigation, which involves both the Frankfort Police Department and the Franklin County Coroner’s Office. As this tragic event unfolds, the community continues to grapple with the shocking reality of violence on campus.