No true bill returned by grand jury for man arrested in KSU shooting

Story courtesy of LEX 18/By Rosemary Kelley, Ajay Patel

FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) – On Tuesday, a Franklin County grand jury decided not to indict a father accused of shooting two people at Kentucky State University earlier this month.

That’s according to a report by WLEX on Tuesday. Kentucky State University officials identified the dead victim as 19-year-old student De’Jon Fox Jr.

UPDATE 6 p.m.: 

According to court records, Bard was charged with murder and first-degree assault on Dec. 9. As of Tuesday, Dec. 23, court records further state no true bill was returned by the grand jury for each of these charges.

Kentucky State University released the following update Tuesday following recent developments:

“Kentucky State University continues to mourn the tragic loss of life that occurred on December 9, an event that has deeply affected our entire Thorobred family. Our hearts are with everyone who is grieving, and our focus remains on caring for our students and supporting the survivors, families, and all members of our campus community impacted by this loss.

The University is aware of today’s grand jury decision. This development does not lessen the pain our community continues to feel, nor does it change our priorities. Our commitment remains centered on supporting our students and ensuring Kentucky State University is a safe place to learn, live, and work.

As questions and public discussion continue in the days ahead, we want our campus community to know that the University is cooperating with law enforcement and investigators as appropriate and will continue to do so. Our focus is on care and accountability within the scope of our responsibilities as an institution.

‘We remain centered on our students’ safety and well-being,’ said Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, President of Kentucky State University. ‘We will continue working closely with our partners, strengthening our safeguards, and providing the care, compassion, and support our Thorobred family needs as we move forward together.’

The University is enhancing security measures and continuing internal reviews, while taking steps to help ensure our campus environment remains one where all can pursue their education safely. In accordance with University policies, when conduct within the University’s jurisdiction is found to violate our standards, appropriate action will be taken through established processes.

Counseling and support resources remain available to any student, faculty, or staff member who needs assistance. Kentucky State University remains committed to caring for one another and moving Onward and Upward together with compassion, strength, and purpose.”

UPDATE 12 p.m.: 

WLEX reports lawyers say Bard’s son “had been assaulted and robbed several times” and that Bard “felt his son was being threatened again.”

The attorneys state campus officials knew about these incidents but did not take the proper action.

Jonathan Danks, Bard’s attorney, says, “It’s extremely disheartening to think that when you go to college to prepare for your future, that this is the type of danger that’s being propagated around you, and that the people that are in charge of keeping you safe, and when you report these things as you should, didn’t take appropriate steps to make sure that these young men are safe.”

Since the shooting occurred, WLEX reports attorneys have stated the Bard family has received death threats.

As further details are released, News 40 will provide an update on this incident.