A parent attending Kentucky State University has been charged with murder after a campus dormitory shooting killed a 19-year-old student and seriously injured another. The incident at the historically black Frankfort University on Tuesday prompted renewed scrutiny of campus security just months after a separate shooting near student housing.
What do the police say about the shooting?
Police have identified the suspect as 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard, who they say fired multiple shots at two students in the dorm. According to investigators, Bard was on campus when the confrontation occurred.
In a statement, police said Bard “shot at the victim in the dormitory,” adding that the attack appeared to be isolated. Detectives have not yet released any information regarding a possible motive.
The shooting killed De’Jon Fox, a 19-year-old student from Indianapolis. The other student remains in critical condition; authorities have not released his name.
Bard, who is from Evansville, Indiana — roughly 150 miles west of Frankfort — was arrested at the scene by university police and later charged with first-degree murder and assault.
How did the arrest happen?
University of Kentucky officers were already near the scene when the altercation escalated and “immediately arrested Bard,” police said.
Investigators have since reviewed cell phone footage recorded by individuals present during the incident, as well as surveillance video from the dorm.
Was it an earlier argument?
Reporters questioned whether a fight involving Bard’s sons might have preceded the shooting. They also asked if Bard had traveled to campus to speak with administrators about concerns about his sons’ safety.
Frankfort Assistant Police Chief Scott Tracy declined to directly address the claims.
“It’s really too early right now to give any details that led up to that. A lot of that would be speculation,” Tracy said Wednesday.
Bard is represented by a public defender from the Franklin County Department of Public Advocacy, who declined to comment on the case.
Where on campus did the shooting occur?
The shooting occurred inside the Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, the student residence where another shooting occurred four months ago. On August 17, shots were fired from a vehicle near the dormitory, injuring two people who were not students. Police said one suffered minor injuries while the other sustained serious injuries. A building and at least one vehicle were damaged in this incident.
How does the university respond?
Kentucky State University President Koffi C. Akakpo said the campus already increased its police presence after the August shooting and will reassess security once the current investigation is over.
“The campus is a safe place,” Akakpo told a news conference, adding that the university will assess what additional measures may be required.
What is Kentucky State University?
Kentucky State University is a public historically black university founded in 1886. It enrolls about 2,200 students and is located approximately two miles east of the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort.
The university has not released further details about support offered to students or changes to campus operations following the shooting.
