Frankfort, Kentucky — A grand jury has decided not to indict the father of two students from Kentucky State University in connection with a shooting that resulted in one student’s death and left another critically injured. The incident occurred on December 9, raising significant concerns about campus safety and violence.
Defense attorney Scott Danks announced on social media after Tuesday’s hearing that his client, Jacob Lee Bard, has been released from custody. Bard’s legal team contends that he acted in self-defense, asserting that 20 to 30 individuals surrounded his family with the intent to harm them. They argue that Bard’s actions were necessary to protect his son during a violent altercation.
Following the grand jury’s announcement, Kentucky State University expressed a commitment to working with law enforcement and prioritizing the safety and well-being of its students. The university emphasized its focus on maintaining a secure learning environment while the investigation continues.
According to Bard’s attorneys, the family was in the process of moving their younger son out of the dormitory, accompanied by two armed campus police officers. The withdrawal was prompted by a series of concerning incidents, including threats and violence directed at the family and other students, some of which were recorded on security footage.
On the day of the shooting, as the Bard family and an officer approached the dorm entrance, a group wearing masks and hoods allegedly launched a violent assault on them. The legal representatives claim this included attacks that left the son severely injured.
In October, the younger son had reported a burglary in his dorm room to campus police and had subsequently received threats of violence, according to the defense. Due to ongoing intimidation and threats, both brothers have since relocated to an undisclosed safe location.
The attorneys characterized Bard’s response as a lawful and instinctive reaction aimed at preventing severe injury or death to his son. They assert, “Jacob’s actions were absolutely justified under the law.”
While local investigators have labeled the shooting as an isolated incident, they have refrained from releasing detailed information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the possible motivations behind it. Tragically, the shooting claimed the life of 19-year-old De’Jon Fox from Indianapolis.
In a statement addressed to the campus community, Kentucky State University recognized the community’s grief while reaffirming its commitment to student safety. The university stated its priorities remain focused on providing support and ensuring a secure educational environment.
This tragic incident marks the second shooting near the university’s residence hall within a four-month span. In August, a separate incident involved gunfire from a moving vehicle that injured two individuals not affiliated with the university.
Jacob Lee Bard, 48, hails from Evansville, Indiana, located approximately 150 miles west of Frankfort. In addition to the murder charge, he faced first-degree assault allegations related to the shooting.
Kentucky State University, established in 1886, is a public historically Black institution serving approximately 2,200 students, and this incident has highlighted ongoing concerns over student safety on campus.