Key Takeaways
- A grand jury has declined to indict Jacob Lee Bard, the father of two Kentucky State University students, for murder in an on-campus shooting that killed one student and critically injured another.
- Bard’s attorneys claim that he was justified in shooting two people who were beating his son, and that 20 to 30 people had gathered to attack his son and family.
- The shooting occurred on December 9, and Bard has been released from jail after the grand jury decision.
- Kentucky State University officials have stated that they will cooperate with law enforcement and investigators, and are focused on student safety and well-being.
- The university has experienced two shootings in four months, with the first incident occurring on August 17, where multiple shots were fired from a vehicle, striking two people.
Introduction to the Incident
A grand jury has decided not to indict Jacob Lee Bard, a 48-year-old man from Evansville, Indiana, for murder in an on-campus shooting that occurred at Kentucky State University on December 9. The shooting resulted in the death of 19-year-old De’Jon Fox of Indianapolis and critically injured another student. Bard’s attorneys, Scott Danks, announced the grand jury’s decision on social media, stating that his client is now out of jail. According to Bard’s attorneys, he was justified in shooting two people who were beating his son, and that 20 to 30 people had gathered to attack his son and family.
The Events Leading Up to the Shooting
Bard’s attorneys have provided a detailed account of the events leading up to the shooting. They claim that Bard’s family was moving their younger son out of the dormitory, with two armed campus police officers present, after withdrawing both sons from school due to "multiple armed, violent" incidents against them and other students in the days leading up to December 9. Some of these incidents were captured on security cameras. On the day of the move-out, a group of people in masks and hoods rushed out and began violently assaulting the family and others, including beating the son’s head against the pavement. In October, the younger son had reported a burglary in his dorm room to campus police and received threats of violence afterward.
The University’s Response
After the grand jury decision, Kentucky State University officials released a statement saying that they "will cooperate with law enforcement and investigators as appropriate" and are focused on student safety and well-being. The university’s president sent a message to the campus community, stating that the grand jury decision "does not lessen the pain our community continues to feel, nor does it change our priorities." The university’s commitment remains centered on supporting its students and ensuring that Kentucky State University is a safe place to learn, live, and work. The university has also acknowledged that the shooting was the second in four months near the residence hall, with the first incident occurring on August 17, where multiple shots were fired from a vehicle, striking two people.
The Investigation and Aftermath
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with investigators saying that the shooting was isolated, but they have not publicly shared details of the circumstances or a possible motive. Bard’s attorneys have stated that his actions were "absolutely justified under the law, and were the only measure that prevented his son’s death or serious injury." The sons are currently staying in an undisclosed location due to continued death threats. The grand jury’s decision has brought some closure to the case, but the university and the community are still grappling with the aftermath of the shooting. The university has reiterated its commitment to student safety and well-being, and it remains to be seen how the university will move forward in the wake of this incident.
The University’s History and Context
Kentucky State University is a public historically Black university with about 2,200 students. The school was authorized by lawmakers in 1886, and it has a rich history of providing education to students from diverse backgrounds. The university has faced challenges in the past, including incidents of violence and safety concerns. However, the university has always prioritized student safety and well-being, and it has taken steps to address these concerns. The recent shooting has highlighted the need for continued vigilance and efforts to ensure that the university remains a safe and supportive environment for all students.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the grand jury’s decision not to indict Jacob Lee Bard for murder in the on-campus shooting at Kentucky State University has brought some closure to the case. However, the incident has highlighted the need for continued efforts to ensure student safety and well-being at the university. The university has reiterated its commitment to supporting its students and ensuring that Kentucky State University is a safe place to learn, live, and work. As the university moves forward, it is essential that it continues to prioritize student safety and well-being, and that it takes steps to address the underlying issues that contributed to the shooting. By doing so, the university can create a safe and supportive environment for all students, and it can continue to provide a high-quality education to students from diverse backgrounds.
