Victim identified in deadly Kentucky State University shooting; suspect charged
FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The Franklin County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim killed in Tuesday’s shooting on the campus of Kentucky State University as 19-year-old De’Jon Darrell Fox, Jr., an Indianapolis resident and KSU student.
According to Coroner William C. Harrod, Fox was pronounced dead at Frankfort Regional Medical Center at 4:33 p.m. Tuesday. A post-mortem examination at the hospital indicates he died from injuries sustained during the shooting. An autopsy was completed Wednesday morning, with final results expected in 14 to 16 weeks. The case remains under investigation by Frankfort Police and the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.
Court records show the suspected shooter, Jacob Lee Bard, 48, of Evansville, Indiana, was arrested Tuesday night and charged with murder and first-degree assault. The citation states the shooting happened just after 3:10 p.m. During the incident, Bard allegedly produced a handgun and shot two people on campus. One victim was pronounced deceased at the scene, and the second victim was airlifted to the University of Kentucky Hospital in critical condition.
Police have said Bard is not a student at Kentucky State University. He was taken into custody around 7:02 p.m. Tuesday and is being held in the Franklin County Detention Center. The citation lists his charges as murder and first-degree assault related to the campus shooting.
Following the shooting, Kentucky State University announced it is suspending classes, final exams, and campus activities for the remainder of the week. Students have the option to return home if they choose. Counseling and support services are being made available to students, faculty, and staff impacted by the tragedy.
Officials have not released a motive for the shooting. Investigators continue to review evidence and witness statements as the case moves forward.
This remains a developing story.
