UPDATE: A parent has been charged with murder following a tragic shooting that left one student dead and another critically injured at Kentucky State University (KSU) on December 9, 2025. Authorities have identified the alleged shooter as Jacob Lee Bard, a 48-year-old from Evansville, Indiana, who is also the father of two other KSU students.
The chaos erupted at approximately 3:10 p.m. inside Young Hall on the KSU campus. Bard is accused of pulling out a handgun and opening fire during an altercation, resulting in the death of De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr., a 19-year-old sophomore. Fox was rushed to Frankfort Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries. Another unnamed student is currently in intensive care, raising urgent concerns about campus safety.
Immediately after the shooting, the KSU campus was placed on lockdown. Officers arrived promptly at the scene, where Bard was already in custody due to the swift actions of KSU Campus Police. Bard has since been charged with murder and first-degree assault, entering a not guilty plea during a court appearance on December 11. He has been held on a $1 million full cash bond at the Franklin County Regional Jail.
Authorities confirmed that the shooting appears to be an isolated incident, alleviating fears of ongoing safety threats on campus. In light of the tragedy, KSU has canceled all classes, final exams, and activities for the rest of the week, affecting students across the university.
The family of the deceased, Fox, described him as a loving young man who brought joy to those around him. His mother, April Terrance, expressed devastation, stating, “No one expects something of this nature to happen when sending their children to school.” In response to the family’s grief, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to cover Fox’s funeral expenses, successfully raising over $2,200 towards a goal of $3,500.
Footage of the altercation has surfaced online, showing a fight prior to the shooting. Police have verified the authenticity of this video and are incorporating it into their ongoing investigation. The Frankfort Police Department and the Franklin County Coroner’s Office are continuing to look into the incident as the community grapples with the aftermath of this shocking event.
As this story develops, authorities encourage anyone with further information to come forward, stressing the importance of community safety and vigilance. The impact of this tragic event resonates deeply within KSU and beyond, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue around campus security and student well-being.
