Frankfort, Kentucky — A grand jury has opted not to indict Jacob Lee Bard, the father of two students at Kentucky State University, following a shooting incident on campus that resulted in one student’s death and left another critically injured. Bard, who faced murder charges related to the December 9 shooting, has since been released from custody.
Defense attorney Scott Danks confirmed in a social media update that the grand jury found insufficient grounds to proceed with charges against Bard. His legal team claimed that on the day of the incident, a large group confronted the family, prompting Bard to intervene to protect his son from being assaulted. According to Bard’s representatives, the violence stemmed from ongoing threats and confrontations leading up to the shooting.
University officials expressed their commitment to student safety in a statement following the grand jury’s decision. They emphasized that they would continue to work with law enforcement while focusing on the well-being of students. The university is dedicated to providing a secure environment for all on campus.
The incident that led to the shooting occurred on a day when Bard and his family were in the process of moving their younger son out of the residence hall, accompanied by two armed campus police officers. As they approached the dormitory, they were suddenly attacked by a group of individuals wearing masks, who allegedly assaulted members of the family, including one who was reportedly beaten on the ground.
Within the preceding months, the younger son had reported a burglary in his dorm room followed by threats of violence, which significantly heightened concern for the family’s safety. In light of these continuing threats, the family is now residing at an undisclosed location, as conveyed by Bard’s attorneys.
Investigators stated that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident but have not released details regarding the events that transpired or any factors that may have motivated the attack. Tragically, the shooting claimed the life of 19-year-old De’Jon Fox, a student from Indianapolis.
In a message directed at the campus community, university representatives acknowledged the sorrow that persists in the aftermath of the shooting and reaffirmed their focus on supporting students. The statement emphasized that the grand jury’s decision does not diminish the community’s ongoing grief nor alter its priorities.
This shooting marked the second violent incident near the university’s residence halls within a four-month period. In an earlier incident on August 17, multiple shots were fired from a vehicle in the vicinity, injuring two individuals who did not attend the university. Local authorities noted that one victim suffered slight injuries while the other was seriously hurt; both incidents resulted in damage to the dorm and nearby vehicles.
Bard, 48, is originally from Evansville, Indiana, located approximately 150 miles west of Frankfort. In addition to the murder charge, he was also initially charged with first-degree assault.
Kentucky State University, established in 1886, is a public historically Black institution serving about 2,200 students. The administration continues to navigate this challenging situation while prioritizing the safety and support of its student body.