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.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.