FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A parent of a student at Kentucky State University is facing murder charges after a shooting incident on campus that claimed the life of one student and critically injured another. Jacob Lee Bard, 48, reportedly discharged a weapon at two victims in Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall on Tuesday. One of the victims has been identified as 19-year-old De’Jon Fox from Indianapolis, who succumbed to injuries at the scene. The other student, whose identity has not yet been released, remains in critical condition.
Authorities have stated that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident, but they have withheld details regarding its circumstances or any potential motive behind the attack. Bard, originally from Evansville, Indiana, was taken into custody immediately following the shooting, with charges of murder and first-degree assault filed against him. He is currently being represented by a public defender from the Franklin County Department of Public Advocacy, which has chosen not to comment on the case.
Assistant Police Chief Scott Tracy refrained from providing specifics regarding the events leading up to the shooting or whether Bard had come to address concerns regarding his sons’ alleged involvement in a prior altercation, indicating that speculating at this stage would be premature. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities reviewing video footage captured during the incident.
This tragic event marks the second shooting incident in the vicinity of the student residence in a short span of time. Previously, on August 17, gunfire from a vehicle injured two non-students near the dormitory. University officials, led by President Koffi C. Akakpo, have emphasized that steps are being taken to ensure campus safety in light of recent events, reaffirming the commitment to maintaining a secure environment for all students.
Authorities have stated that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident, but they have withheld details regarding its circumstances or any potential motive behind the attack. Bard, originally from Evansville, Indiana, was taken into custody immediately following the shooting, with charges of murder and first-degree assault filed against him. He is currently being represented by a public defender from the Franklin County Department of Public Advocacy, which has chosen not to comment on the case.
Assistant Police Chief Scott Tracy refrained from providing specifics regarding the events leading up to the shooting or whether Bard had come to address concerns regarding his sons’ alleged involvement in a prior altercation, indicating that speculating at this stage would be premature. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities reviewing video footage captured during the incident.
This tragic event marks the second shooting incident in the vicinity of the student residence in a short span of time. Previously, on August 17, gunfire from a vehicle injured two non-students near the dormitory. University officials, led by President Koffi C. Akakpo, have emphasized that steps are being taken to ensure campus safety in light of recent events, reaffirming the commitment to maintaining a secure environment for all students.
