Suspect Identified from Kentucky State University Shooting

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On Tuesday, Kentucky State University had an active aggressor on campus, leaving one KSU student, 19-year-old De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr., of Indianapolis, Indiana, and another in critical condition.

The suspect has been identified as 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana, who has been charged with murder and first-degree assault. Bard is not a student at KSU, and police believe that he is not a threat to the community. 

“Frankford police believe this to be an isolated incident, and there are no active safety concerns on campus at this time,” said Asst. Chief of Police Scott Tracy during a press conference. 

According to BBC News, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear first shared the news on X. 

“We are aware of a reported shooting at Kentucky State University in Frankfort,” said Beshear. “At this time, we are aware of some injuries. We will share more information as available. Law enforcement are on scene, and a suspect has been arrested. Let’s pray for all those affected.” 

About two hours after Beshear posted the news through an X post, he posted a video on X specifically for the students at KSU and their families. He says in the video that the suspect is in custody, and there is no current threat. 

 “Pray for those that have been injured,” Beshear said. “Please pray for those Kentucky State University students that, again, might be rightfully scared.” 

In the arrest slip, Bard said there was a physical altercation before he shot Fox and the second victim with a handgun, according to WLKY.  

News Channel2Now posted a video of the incident, which shows Bard shooting and killing Fox and then continuing to hold up the handgun. 

KSU made a statement on their site about the situation with their support to everyone at the school and the families as well.

“We are writing to provide an update on this afternoon’s incident near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall at Kentucky State University,” according to a statement from KSU. “Two Kentucky State University students were shot, and we are heartbroken to report that one of the students succumbed to their injuries. The second student is in stable but critical condition and receiving medical care.” 

KSU also stated that they were not releasing any medical information out of respect for both families and will be supporting them. There will also be counseling support for students, staff, and the facility, and updates on the case. 

Cady Short-Thompson, the president of Northern Kentucky University, sent information about KSU’s incident to the faculty, staff, and students.  

“We extend our deepest sympathy to the KSU students, faculty, staff and families whose lives have been forever changed by this senseless act of violence,” Short-Thompson said. “Northern Kentucky University stands in solidarity with the Kentucky State University community and with all who are grieving.” 

This was the second shooting that had taken place in the same area this year. In August, there was a drive-by where the shooter injured two people who did not attend KSU. 

“No KSU students or employees were injured,” according to a statement from KSU. “Two non-students were transported for medical attention, one of whom has been released.”