A shooting at Kentucky State University on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, left one student dead and another in critical condition, prompting officials to cancel classes and final exams for the remainder of the week. The incident occurred at Young Hall on the south side of campus in Frankfort, Kentucky’s capital city.
DeJon Darrell Fox Jr., 19, was killed in the shooting. Another student, whose name has not been released, remained in critical condition at a local hospital. Both victims were students at the historically Black university, which was chartered in 1886 and serves about 2,200 students.
Jacob Lee Bard, 48, of Evansville, Indiana, was arrested by campus police and charged with murder and first-degree assault. Frankfort Police Department Assistant Chief Scott Tracy confirmed that Bard is the parent of a Kentucky State University student but is not enrolled at the institution himself. Authorities said Bard was involved in a physical altercation before pulling out a handgun and shooting the two victims.
Police responded at 3:35 p.m. By 3:40 p.m., just five minutes after officers arrived on scene, the suspect was already in custody thanks to the swift action of campus police. The rapid response helped contain what could have escalated into a more dangerous situation for the university community.
At a news conference, Tracy described the shooting as an isolated incident and stated there were no active safety concerns on campus or in the surrounding community. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear echoed this assessment, emphasizing that the shooting was not a mass shooting or random attack. “This was not a mass shooting or a random incident based on what I’ve been told,” Beshear said in a video statement posted to social media.
The governor called on the public to support those affected by the violence. “Please, pray. Pray for those that have been injured. Please, pray for these Kentucky State University students that, again, might be rightfully scared. Pray for a world where these things don’t happen,” he said during his statement. Beshear added that he would continue working to build a Kentucky where arguments are not resolved through violence.
Kentucky State University President Koffi C. Akakpo addressed the tragedy at the news conference, describing it as a senseless act that has left the campus community in mourning. He expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their rapid response and to community leaders for their support during the crisis.
Following the shooting, the university placed the campus on lockdown while authorities secured the area. Officials later announced that all classes, final exams and campus activities would be suspended for the rest of the week. Students were given the option to return home early for the holiday break if they chose to do so. The university made counseling services available to students, faculty and staff impacted by the shooting, directing them to contact the University Counseling Center for support.
Fox’s family remembered him as someone who loved school and had a playful nature. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help the family with funeral expenses as they cope with their sudden loss.
Bard is being held at the Franklin County Regional Jail with no bond. The Evansville resident faces serious charges as investigators continue to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting. While officials confirmed the altercation preceded the gunfire, they have not released additional details about what sparked the confrontation or the relationship between Bard and the victims.
This marks the second shooting at Kentucky State University in 2025. In August, another shooting occurred near Young Hall. The recurring violence has raised concerns about safety on the small campus.
The tragedy unfolded during finals week, a particularly stressful time when students were focused on completing their semester coursework and preparing to head home for the holidays. Students noted that Kentucky State functions like a family, and many expressed shock that such violence could occur in a place they considered safe.
The investigation into the shooting remains active, with local authorities working to piece together the events that led to the fatal confrontation. As the university community processes this loss, support services remain available to help students and staff cope with the trauma of experiencing violence on their campus.