A quiet Tuesday afternoon at Kentucky State University shattered into violence, leaving one student dead and another fighting for their life. The accused gunman, 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard, has been formally charged with murder and first-degree assault following the shooting at Whitney M. Young Jr. residence hall.
The victim identified so far is De’Jon Fox, a 19-year-old from Indianapolis whose life was tragically cut short. A second student remains in critical condition, his name withheld as his family navigates this unimaginable ordeal. The campus community is reeling from the sudden loss and the uncertainty surrounding the attack.
Authorities revealed a startling connection: Bard is the parent of another student at Kentucky State University. He hails from Evansville, Indiana, a town roughly 150 miles away, raising questions about what brought him to campus and what unfolded in the moments leading up to the shooting.
Investigators are meticulously piecing together the events, reviewing bystander videos and surveillance footage in an effort to understand the circumstances. While they’ve confirmed the shooting appears isolated to those directly involved, a motive remains elusive.
Speculation has arisen regarding a possible altercation involving Bard’s sons and whether he was on campus to discuss their safety with university officials. However, Frankfort Assistant Police Chief Scott Tracy has remained tight-lipped, emphasizing the need to avoid premature conclusions. “It’s really too early in the investigation to give any details,” he stated.
Police responded swiftly to the 3:10 p.m. report, arriving at the residence hall within minutes. Kentucky State University police had already apprehended Bard, taking him into custody and preventing further harm. He is currently held at the Franklin County Regional Jail as the investigation continues.
The campus now mourns, grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event. The focus remains on supporting the victim’s families, providing care for the injured student, and uncovering the full truth behind this senseless act of violence.
