Frankfort, KY- On the afternoon of Dec. 9, a shooting on the campus of Kentucky State University left one student dead and another critically injured. The incident sent shockwaves through the historically Black institution and the Frankfort community and drew widespread media attention.
The shooting occurred around 3:10 p.m. near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, a residence building on the south side of campus. Law enforcement responded quickly to 911 calls reporting an “active aggressor,” and campus police took a suspect into custody within minutes.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Jacob Lee Bard, 48, of Evansville, Indiana. Bard is not enrolled at the university but is the parent of a current student. He was booked on murder and first-degree assault charges and is being held at the Franklin County Regional Jail.
The victim who died has been identified as De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr., 19, a student from Indianapolis. The second student remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. University officials are offering counseling and support to students, faculty and families affected by the shooting.
Fox was the first in his family to attend college and was known for his bright personality and warm smile. He had a passion for fashion and regularly created “fit of the day” content on campus, highlighting students’ unique styles, including his own. Fox was well loved by many at Kentucky State.
Around 5 p.m. on Dec. 10, students, faculty and staff gathered outside Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall for a vigil in his honor. The event was coordinated by First Corinthians Baptist Church.
University President Koffi C. Akakpo called the shooting a “senseless tragedy.” Gov. Andy Beshear urged prayer and community support and emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to campus safety.
Classes, final exams and campus activities were canceled for the remainder of the week as students coped with grief and trauma. Authorities continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting.
As of Dec. 11, Bard was arraigned and pleaded not guilty. He is being held at the Franklin County Regional Jail on a $1 million cash bond.
De’Jon Fox Jr.’s family has set up a GoFundMe to help support them in their time of need. If you want to donate to the go fund me the link is below.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-ksu-student-dejon-fox-help-suppo?attribution_id=sl:b71fddc2-bf98-446a-9b9d-50383e0946af&lang=en_US&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
