UPDATE: A shocking shooting at Kentucky State University (KSU) has left one student dead and another critically injured. Authorities have charged Jacob Lee Bard, a 48-year-old parent of two KSU students, with murder following the incident that unfolded on December 9, 2025.
The violence erupted around 3:10 p.m. in the Young Hall area of the campus. Bard allegedly opened fire during an altercation, fatally wounding De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr., a 19-year-old sophomore, who later died at the Frankfort Regional Medical Center. Another unnamed student remains in intensive care, battling severe injuries.
Immediately following the shooting, the KSU campus was placed on lockdown. Thanks to the quick response of KSU Campus Police, Bard was apprehended at the scene. He has been charged with both murder and first-degree assault, entering a not guilty plea during a court appearance on December 11. A judge has set his bond at $1 million, and he is currently held at the Franklin County Regional Jail.
In a devastating statement, April Terrance, Fox’s mother, expressed her heartbreak, stating, “No one expects something of this nature to happen when sending their children to school.” A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to help cover Fox’s funeral expenses, reaching over $2,200 of its $3,500 goal.
While the motive behind Bard’s presence on campus remains unclear, police have confirmed that this incident appears to be isolated, with no ongoing safety threats reported. KSU has canceled all classes, final exams, and campus activities for the remainder of the week to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
Footage of the altercation has circulated online, confirming the intensity of the situation. Authorities are reviewing this evidence as part of their ongoing investigation into the shooting. The Frankfort Police Department and the Franklin County Coroner’s Office are continuing to probe the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
As the community grapples with this unexpected violence, KSU students and families are left in shock, mourning the loss of a young life and grappling with the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident.
For ongoing updates, stay tuned as the investigation unfolds.
