One student was killed and another injured during a shooting at Kentucky State University in Frankfort this week, prompting widespread grief and heightened security concerns on campus.

According to ABC News, authorities identified the suspect as 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana, the parent of a current Kentucky State University student. Bard has been arrested and charged with murder and first-degree assault in connection with the Tuesday afternoon shooting.

Officials said the violence stemmed from a personal dispute and not a random or mass shooting incident. The shooting occurred near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, a residence hall on the southern side of the campus.

Investigation focuses on campus altercation

According to the arrest citation, Bard allegedly became involved in a physical confrontation before firing a handgun that struck two students. Police said one of the victims, 19-year-old De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr., died from his injuries. The other student remains in intensive care in stable but critical condition.

Frankfort Assistant Police Chief Scott Tracy described the event as “an isolated incident,” emphasizing that investigators are reviewing a video circulating online that appears to depict a student being attacked by a group. However, he noted it is “too early” to confirm if the footage is directly connected to the shooting.

The Frankfort Police Department responded to what it initially classified as an “active aggressor” situation, securing the area shortly after the incident. Law enforcement confirmed that Bard was taken into custody on the scene without further violence.

Statements from officials and community leaders

Governor Andy Beshear addressed the public with reassurances that there was no ongoing threat to the community. “This was not a mass shooting or a random incident,” Beshear said in a video statement. “The suspected shooter is already in custody, which means that while this was scary, our families are safe.”

The governor expressed sympathy for the victims’ families, urging Kentuckians to “pray for those impacted and for a world where these things don’t happen.” He also reiterated his commitment to fostering safer communities across the state, pointing to the need for continued violence-prevention efforts.

Kentucky State University President Koffi Akakpo called the event “a senseless tragedy” during a Tuesday press briefing. “We’re mourning the loss of one of our students,” Akakpo said, adding that the university community is “heartbroken but resolute in support of one another.”

Victim remembered by family and peers

The Franklin County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased student as De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr. of Indianapolis. Fox was a sophomore who, according to family members, “loved being a student” at Kentucky State University.

His family spoke to WRTV, the ABC affiliate in Indianapolis, describing him as “a bright light” with a promising future. Friends on campus shared similar sentiments, recalling his leadership and willingness to help others. The university has announced plans for a memorial service to honor Fox’s life.

Counseling and grief support services have been made available to students and faculty. The university encouraged anyone affected to reach out as the campus grapples with the emotional impact of the shooting.

Lessons to Learn

This shooting, while heartbreaking, offers important safety considerations for students, families and campus communities:

1. Disputes can escalate quickly: Even disputes that start verbally or physically can rapidly become deadly, especially when weapons are involved. Developing strategies to de-escalate tense situations and engaging campus security when needed may prevent violence.
2. Know emergency protocols: Students and faculty should be familiar with their school's policies during active threats. Knowing where to seek shelter, how to contact help, and when to evacuate can make the difference in critical moments.
3. Stay aware and speak up: Awareness of potential aggression or brewing conflict—especially involving non-students—should never be ignored. Reporting suspicious activity can assist police in identifying and addressing risks early.

That being said, it's crucial to remember that no preventative measure guarantees safety, and victims should never be blamed for acts of violence committed against them. The responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator.

Why This Story Matters

This tragedy underscores the vulnerability of college campuses to interpersonal violence, even when the threat appears isolated. It calls attention to the responsibilities of institutions, families, and law enforcement to better identify and address conflicts before they spiral into fatal outcomes. Communities are safer when all individuals remain vigilant and involved in safety discussions. This story reminds us that collaboration between students, parents, schools, and authorities is essential in building environments of trust and security.

Conclusion

On December 9, 2025, tragedy struck Kentucky State University when Jacob Lee Bard, a parent of a student, allegedly shot two students near a campus dorm. One of the students, De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr., was killed, while another remains in critical condition. Law enforcement quickly arrested the 48-year-old suspect and confirmed that the act was an isolated altercation, not a mass shooting. Campus and state officials have offered condolences and reassurance, indicating that there is no continued threat. The investigation remains ongoing, with video and witness testimony helping authorities uncover exactly what led to the fatal confrontation.