FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ky. — A Franklin County grand jury has opted not to indict Jacob Bard in connection with a deadly shooting at Kentucky State University (KSU) last month. The ruling concluded that there was insufficient evidence to charge Bard, 48, with murder in the December 9 shooting that resulted in the death of 19-year-old De’Jon Fox Jr.
The incident occurred when Bard, accompanied by his wife, went to KSU to assist their son in moving out of his dormitory after their son reported being assaulted on campus. Bard and his wife had approached campus police and student affairs for help, citing ongoing violence against their son.
KSU Shooting Details
According to Jonathan Danks, Bard’s attorney, as the family walked with campus personnel to the dormitory, they faced a threatening crowd of 20-30 individuals, some armed, which prompted Bard to act in “lawful self-defense.”
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Bard’s attorney maintains that the crowd began attacking Bard’s son, who was slammed to the ground and beaten, reports Lex18. In the chaos, Bard allegedly attempted to protect his son and, perceiving a threat of serious injury or death, discharged his firearm at two individuals. The incident left one student dead and another injured.
The attorney further highlighted that the attackers included non-students who concealed their identities with ski masks, reports WFIE.
Bard reportedly sustained injuries while trying to safeguard his son during the melee. The family has since received credible death threats, adding to their distress.
KSU Legal Response and University Safety Measures: Reactions to Shooting
In light of the grand jury’s decision, Kentucky State University emphasized its commitment to cooperating with law enforcement and conducting internal reviews. The university is enhancing security measures and providing counseling and support resources to its community.
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“As questions and public discussion continue in the days ahead, we want our campus community to know that the University is cooperating with law enforcement and investigators as appropriate and will continue to do so,” KSU stated.
