KSU dorm shooting: Jacob Bard formally charged with murder; victim De’Jon Fox identified
A shooting at Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall on Kentucky State University's Frankfort campus on Tuesday afternoon left 19-year-old student De’Jon Fox of Indianapolis dead and a second student critically injured. Jacob Lee Bard, 48, of Evansville, Ind., identified as a parent of a KSU student, was arrested by university police, formally charged with murder and first-degree assault and is being held at the Franklin County Regional Jail while investigators review surveillance and bystander video; officials say the incident appears isolated and there is no ongoing threat.
📌 Key Facts
- The shooting occurred in Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall at Kentucky State University in the early-to-mid afternoon (around 3 p.m.); Frankfort officers reported responding around 3:10 p.m. and the campus was placed on lockdown.
- One KSU student, 19-year-old De’Jon Fox of Indianapolis, was killed; a second KSU student was critically injured and remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
- Police arrested 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana — a parent of a KSU student — at the scene; KSU police had him in custody when city officers arrived.
- Bard has been booked and formally charged with murder and first-degree assault and is being held at the Franklin County Regional Jail.
- Officials, including Gov. Andy Beshear and KSU leadership, said the incident appears isolated with no ongoing threat, asked for prayers for those affected, and investigators are reviewing bystander videos and surveillance footage; a motive has not been disclosed.
- Kentucky State University canceled classes, final exams and campus activities for the rest of the week, offered counseling and allowed students to return home; President Koffi C. Akakpo said campus safety measures will be reevaluated after a prior Aug. 17 shooting that injured two non-students.
📊 Relevant Data
In Fall 2023, Kentucky State University had a total enrollment of 1,689 students, with 67.1% identifying as Black Non-Hispanic, 15.5% as White, 2.8% as Hispanic, 3.3% as two or more races, 5.7% as non-resident aliens, and smaller percentages for other groups.
Demographic Data — Kentucky State University
In 2023, Frankfort, Kentucky had a population of approximately 28,602, with a racial composition of 72% White (Non-Hispanic), 13.9% Black, 6.1% Hispanic, and 2.8% Asian.
Frankfort Demographics | Current Kentucky Census Data — kentucky-demographics.com
According to the 2025 Clery Act Report, Kentucky State University reported 0 murders/non-negligent manslaughters on campus in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
2025 KSU Clery Act Report — Kentucky State University
In 2023, Kentucky recorded 562 homicide offenses, resulting in a rate of approximately 12.5 per 100,000 population based on a state population of about 4.5 million.
Homicide offenses drop in KY, state police annual report — kentucky.com
📰 Sources (6)
- Frankfort Police say Jacob Lee Bard, 48, has been formally charged with murder and first-degree assault.
- Police say the shooting was isolated to the individuals involved; motive/details not disclosed.
- Frankfort officers responded around 3:10 p.m.; KSU Police had Bard in custody before city officers arrived.
- Investigators are reviewing bystander video and surveillance footage.
- Bard is being held at the Franklin County Regional Jail.
- Victim identified as 19-year-old De’Jon Fox of Indianapolis.
- Police say suspect Jacob Lee Bard is a parent of a Kentucky State University student.
- Second student remains in critical condition; university police were near the altercation and immediately arrested Bard.
- Investigators have reviewed bystander videos and surveillance footage; Assistant Chief Scott Tracy declined to discuss alleged videos of a fight involving Bard’s sons.
- KSU President Koffi C. Akakpo noted additional officers were brought in after an Aug. 17 shooting and said campus safety measures will be reevaluated; the August incident injured two non-students.
- Suspect identified as 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana.
- Bard was booked on murder and first-degree assault charges.
- Frankfort Police say KSU Police had the suspect in custody when city officers arrived.
- Police confirmed both shooting victims are KSU students; one died at the hospital, the other remains in critical condition.
- Gov. Andy Beshear said the incident appears isolated with no ongoing threat.
- Response time detail: Frankfort officers responded around 3:10 p.m. to Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall.
- Police say the suspect in custody is not a KSU student.
- Shooting occurred at Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall around 3 p.m.
- University says the incident was isolated and there is no ongoing threat.
- One student victim is in critical but stable condition; names not yet released.
- KSU canceled classes, final exams, and campus activities for the rest of the week; counseling is available and students may return home.
- University President Koffi C. Akakpo publicly addressed the shooting; Gov. Andy Beshear reiterated there is no ongoing threat.
- Context: a prior Aug. 17 shooting near the same residence hall injured two non-students.
- Authorities confirmed one person was killed and another critically wounded.
- Frankfort Police responded to an 'active aggressor' at about 3:35 p.m. and placed the campus on lockdown.
- Gov. Andy Beshear said a suspect has been arrested and asked for prayers for those affected.