Parent Held on $1M Bond in Fatal Kentucky State University Shooting
Parent Charged After Campus Shooting in Frankfort
On Dec. 9, 2025, a shooting occurred on the Kentucky State University campus in Frankfort, Kentucky, resulting in the death of one student and critical injuries to another.
Authorities charged 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana, with murder and assault in the first degree in connection with the incident. Bard, who is the parent of two Kentucky State University students, is accused of opening fire during an altercation on campus and shooting two people with a handgun.
Court Appearance and Bond Decision
A not guilty plea was entered for Bard during his initial court appearance on Thursday following the Tuesday shooting. During the hearing, Bard’s attorney, Mark Hall, asked the court to set bond at less than $50,000. Hall told the court there was more to the situation than what was contained in the arrest citation and stated that Bard has three children, including two enrolled at Kentucky State University.
The state requested a $500,000 bond, citing the nature of the charges against Bard. After hearing from both sides, the judge ordered Bard held on a $1 million full cash bond. A preliminary hearing in the case has been scheduled for Dec. 16.
Victims Identified and Condition Reported
The Franklin County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased victim on Wednesday as 19-year-old De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr. of Indianapolis. Fox was a student at Kentucky State University. The other victim in the shooting was transported to a hospital on Tuesday in stable but critical condition, according to Frankfort police. Police stated on Wednesday that the student remained in intensive care.
Details From Investigators
According to the arrest citation, Bard was involved in a physical altercation on the Frankfort campus before allegedly shooting the two individuals. Police described the shooting as an isolated incident. On Wednesday, police said that authorities were investigating a video circulating online that appears to show an altercation on campus. They stated it was too early in the investigation to identify that video as the cause of the incident.