Assistant Frankfort Police Chief Scott Tracy confirmed the names of some individuals involved in the shooting.
"It is with deep regret that I confirm the identity of the victim who lost his life. He was De'Jon Fox, a 19-year-old male and a student at Kentucky State University," Tracy said. "The second victim, also a KSU student, remains in intensive care in the hospital. Regarding the investigation into the shooter, we have formally charged Jacob Lee Bard with murder and assault in the first degree."
Tracy said it's too early to speak about what exactly led up to the shooting, which happened just after 3:10 Tuesday. But Gov. Andy Beshear has remarked on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
"It's a tragedy. Thankfully, this wasn't a mass or active shooter," Beshear said. "This appears to have been a dispute that had been brewing for some time. But the idea that an argument would turn into a shooting that takes at least one student's life."
The shooting that took place today at Kentucky State University appears to be an isolated incident - not a mass shooting. The suspect has been arrested, and there is no ongoing threat. Two individuals were critically injured, and I am sad to share that one has now passed away.1/2 pic.twitter.com/4G1BgJNVQj
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) December 9, 2025
The suspect is not a KSU student, but with the incident marking the second shooting on campus in four months, KSU President Koffi Akakpo was pressed on whether the campus is safe.
"The campus is a safe place for the students moving forward. We've done everything we can. We have added more police officers," Akakpo said, adding that he's met with the mayor to see how collaboration could be strengthened.
Akakpo said the second victim is undergoing another surgery and he has been in close contact with family, visiting them multiple times.
For now, classes remain suspended on campus, with final exams and campus activities on hold through the end of the week.