The parent of a Kentucky State University student has been charged with murder for an on-campus attack, in which he allegedly opened fire at one of the college’s residence halls, killing one teen and critically injuring a second. Police are yet to share any motive to explain why Jacob Lee Bard allegedly opened fire on his son’s classmates.
Frankfort Police confirmed that the 48-year-old father has been formally charged in connection with the shooting, and will face charges for murder and first-degree assault offences.
The dad hails from Evansville, Indiana – roughly 150 miles away from the university campus in Frankfort, Kentucky – police say he opened fire near a residence hall. Investigators now say the shooting was an isolated incident and they have not publicly shared details of the circumstances or a possible motive as to why Bard decided to open fire at his son’s university.
Indianapolis teen De’Jon Fox was killed in Tuesday’s attack. A second student remains in hospial in a critical condition, with police refraining from identifying the surviving victim.
In a police press conference, officers were asked why Bard was on campus at all that day. Videos have surfaced of an alleged fight involving Bard’s sons prior to the shooting, with reporters enquiring if he was on campus to speak to university administrators about his son’s safety.
Frankfort Assistant Police Chief Scott Tracy declined to comment on what may have led to Bard’s alleged deadly attack. As per AP, he said on Wednessay at a police biefing: “It’s really too early in the investigation right now to really give any details that led up to it. A lot of it would be speculation.”
The shooting happened at approximately 3.35pm local time at Young Hall, a dorm at the southern side of the campus, according to Frankfort Assistant Chief of Police Scott Tracy. A suspect was taken into custody, and there was no ongoing threat, the state governor said.
Police arrtested Bard at the scene immediately after the alleged attack came to an end.
