UPDATE: A tragic shooting at Kentucky State University has resulted in the death of one student and serious injuries to another, leading to murder charges against a parent on campus. Jacob Lee Bard, a 48-year-old from Evansville, Indiana, has been charged following the deadly incident that unfolded on December 9, 2025.
The shooting occurred around 3:10 p.m. in Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, where Bard allegedly engaged in a violent altercation that escalated to gunfire. De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr., a 19-year-old sophomore, was critically injured and later succumbed to his wounds at Frankfort Regional Medical Center. Another unnamed student remains in intensive care.
Authorities confirmed Bard, a parent of two KSU students, was taken into custody shortly after the incident, thanks to the rapid response of KSU Campus Police. He has been charged with murder and first-degree assault and entered a not guilty plea during his court appearance. Bard is currently held on a $1 million cash bond at the Franklin County Regional Jail.
The campus was placed on lockdown immediately following the shooting, with students and faculty instructed to stay indoors until the situation was resolved. KSU officials announced that all classes and final exams have been canceled for the remainder of the week, prioritizing the safety and mental well-being of the student body.
The emotional toll of this incident is profound. Family members of Fox have expressed their devastation, remembering him as a vibrant young man who brought joy to those around him. His mother, April Terrance, stated, “No one expects something of this nature to happen when sending their children to school.” In response to his tragic passing, a GoFundMe has been established to assist with funeral expenses, already raising over $2,200 of its $3,500 goal.
Video footage of the altercation has surfaced online, confirming the violent nature of the encounter. Police are actively investigating the incident, with reports indicating that it was an isolated event and that there are currently no ongoing safety concerns on campus.
Police and the Franklin County Coroner’s Office continue to gather evidence and details about the shooting. As the investigation unfolds, the KSU community grapples with the loss of a young life and the implications of violence on campus.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as authorities work to bring clarity to this tragic event.
