Crime
Victim Killed in Kentucky State University Shooting Identified as 19-Year-Old Dejon Fox
FRANKFORT, Ky. — One student is dead and another remains hospitalized after a shooting Tuesday afternoon on the campus of Kentucky State University (KSU). Authorities have identified the student killed as 19-year-old Dejon Fox.
According to the Frankfort Police Department, officers responded at approximately 3:10 p.m. to reports of an active aggressor on campus.
Police arrived within four minutes, securing the scene and detaining a suspect shortly thereafter.
Kentucky State University confirmed that two students were shot during the incident.
One of the students, identified as Fox, died from his injuries.
The second student is listed in stable but critical condition and is receiving ongoing medical treatment.
A university official stated the shooting occurred in the south campus area, near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall.
Police have confirmed that the suspect, 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana, is not a KSU student.
Bard has been charged with murder and first-degree assault and was taken into custody without further incident.
He is currently booked in the Franklin County Regional Jail.
A significant multi-agency response followed the initial 911 call, with Kentucky State Police, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Kentucky Homeland Security all assisting at the scene.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the shooting in a video statement posted to social media, offering condolences and emphasizing the importance of unity:
“Violence has no place in our commonwealth or country. Let’s please pray for the families affected and for our KSU students. Let’s also pray for a world where these things don’t happen. Thank you to our brave law enforcement who acted quickly to protect our people.”
Kentucky State University released its own statement Tuesday evening, expressing profound sorrow:
“Two Kentucky State University students were shot, and we are heartbroken to report that one of the students succumbed to their injuries. The second student is in stable but critical condition and receiving medical care. Out of respect for both students and their families, the University will not release identifying or additional medical information at this time.”
The university confirmed that counseling and support services are being made available for students, faculty, and staff affected by the tragedy. Additional updates will be provided through official KSU communication channels as information is verified.
The campus remains on lockdown as the investigation continues.
Members of the community have begun reacting to the incident. Frankfort City Commissioner Katima Smith-Willis urged compassion and solidarity, writing:
“During difficult moments such as this, I encourage us all to lean into respect, compassion, and care for one another. Kentucky State University is not just the university— it is our university, rooted deeply in our community.”
Authorities have confirmed that the shooting was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.