FRANKFORT, Ky. — The fatal December 9 shooting at Kentucky State University (KSU) has drawn attention not only for its tragic outcome, but also for the events that preceded it — specifically, the suspect’s allegations that his son, who is a KSU student, had previously been assaulted on campus, as well as how the shooting unfolded.
Jacob Bard, 48, has been charged with shooting two students. One of those students, De’Jon Fox Jr., 19, died as a result of his injuries.
Parents Reported Safety Concerns to Kentucky State University Officials
Before the shooting, Bard and his wife traveled to KSU after their son contacted them, reporting he had been assaulted at the Frankfort campus, reports the Lexington Herald Leader. Citing serious safety concerns, Bard and his wife visited campus police and the office of student affairs, seeking help for their son.
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University personnel then accompanied the family to the dormitory so Bard’s son could move out safely. However, what began as a precautionary action for their son’s wellbeing quickly escalated into a violent encounter.
Campus Security Camera Footage and Self-Defense Claims
According to police testimony and Bard’s defense attorney, Mark Hall, the Bard family was “essentially attacked” by another group while attempting to remove their son from the residence hall.
Campus security camera footage as well as video posted on social media reportedly shows Bard engaged in a physical struggle with two students near the elevators at Young Hall. The confrontation then spilled outside, intensifying the chaos and sense of danger.
At that point, according to official reports, Bard opened fire. He admitted to being the shooter when questioned at the scene.
Hall says his client was acting in self-defense and has pleaded not guilty, reports WDRB. The prosecutor says Bard used deadly force when deadly force was not necessary, reports WKYT.
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Bard has been charged with murder and first-degree assault. His bond has been reduced from $1 million to $100,000.
The December 9 shooting is the second shooting that happened on KSU’s campus this year. In August, a drive-by shooting outside Young Hall injured two people who were not students, prompting a campus lockdown and heightened security measures.
