Grand jury declines to indict man who shot, killed Kentucky State student

Taylor Six, Lexington Herald-Leader on Dec 23, 2025

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LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Franklin County grand jury on Tuesday declined to indict a man who shot and killed a 19-year-old student and injured another this month at Kentucky State University.

A “no true bill” was returned for murder and assault charges against Jacob Bard, 48, of Evansville, Indiana. The decision means the grand jury found no probable cause for the charges.

Bard opened fire Dec. 9 outside a Kentucky State dorm while he and his wife were on campus to remove their sons from the school because of safety concerns. His lawyers say they were attacked despite having a police escort to the dorm.

Bard was arrested and charged with murder and first-degree assault.

De’Jon Fox Jr., 19, was killed. Another student who has not been identified was injured but stable as of mid-December.

The grand jury’s decision comes less than 24 hours after attorneys for Bard sent a five-page press release that said Bard acted in self-defense.

Jonathan Danks, Bard’s attorney, said they are thrilled with the outcome.

“Bard can be reunited with his family, which is very emotional for them,” Danks told the Herald-Leader on Tuesday. “We are extremely glad he’s out and can return to his family for Christmas.”

The grand jury’s decision resolves the criminal case against Bard, who is no longer expected to face charges.

Danks noted the Bard family could discuss civil action in the coming weeks.

“Everyone who was involved in unleashing that violence needs to be held accountable,” Danks said.

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