The Kentucky State University community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 19-year-old student Dejon Fox, who was killed in a violent campus shooting on Tuesday afternoon. What began as a normal day on campus quickly turned into a scene of fear and chaos near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall on the university’s south campus. Students who were nearby say they heard sudden gunfire, not realizing at first that a fellow student had been fatally wounded.
According to the Frankfort Police Department, officers were alerted to an active aggressor on campus at around 3:10 p.m. Responding in just four minutes, police rapidly secured the area and apprehended the suspect. The shooter was identified as 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard, a man from Evansville, Indiana, who authorities confirmed is not a KSU student. He was arrested without further incident and later charged with murder and first-degree assault. Bard is now being held in the Franklin County Regional Jail while investigators continue gathering evidence.
Sadly, Dejon did not survive the injuries he suffered during the attack. His death has left his family, friends, and classmates devastated as they struggle to understand how such a tragedy could happen on their campus. A second student was also shot during the attack and remains hospitalized. Officials say that student is in stable but critical condition, and they continue to receive medical care as their loved ones keep hopeful vigil.
KSU leaders and law enforcement officials have expressed deep sorrow following the tragedy. A university spokesperson shared heartfelt condolences, saying, “Our hearts go out to Dejon’s family, friends, and fellow students. This is a devastating loss, and we are committed to providing every resource possible to help our community heal.” The university has made counseling services available to students, faculty, and staff dealing with the emotional impact of the shooting.
Friends and peers remembered Dejon as a bright, kind, and ambitious young man who was deeply involved in campus life. Many described him as someone full of potential, with a personality that made others feel welcome and appreciated. Social media has been filled with tributes, photos, and messages from those who knew him, reflecting the deep sadness now felt across the KSU community.
As investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Meanwhile, the KSU community prepares for memorials and vigils to honor Dejon’s life. Though his time was tragically short, Dejon Fox’s impact will live on, remembered by all who were touched by his warmth, his spirit, and the promise he carried into every day.
