BREAKING: A parent has been charged with murder after a devastating shooting at Kentucky State University (KSU) that left one student dead and another critically injured. Jacob Lee Bard, 48, from Evansville, Indiana, is accused of opening fire on campus on December 9, 2025, around 3:10 p.m.
The shooting occurred in Young Hall, where Bard allegedly pulled out a handgun during an altercation, fatally wounding De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr., 19. Despite immediate medical attention and transport to Frankfort Regional Medical Center, Fox succumbed to his injuries. Another unnamed student was critically injured and remains in intensive care.
Authorities swiftly apprehended Bard, who is the father of two other KSU students. He has been charged with murder and first-degree assault, and during a court appearance on December 11, he pleaded not guilty. Bard is currently held on a $1 million cash bond at the Franklin County Regional Jail.
Following the incident, KSU was placed on lockdown, and all classes and activities were canceled for the rest of the week. The Frankfort Police Department confirmed that the shooting was an isolated incident and that there are no ongoing safety concerns at the university.
The family of Fox is devastated, remembering the 19-year-old as a loving and humorous individual. His mother, April Terrance, expressed her sorrow, stating that no parent expects such violence when sending their children to school. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with funeral expenses, raising over $2,200 of its $3,500 goal.
In an alarming twist, footage of the altercation has surfaced online, corroborated by police as part of their investigation. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office continues to look into the incident, with officials urging the community to stay calm and informed.
As investigations proceed, the emotional impact of this tragedy continues to resonate within the KSU community. Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.
