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
Agent Nic Graham Dies After Being Shot in Lakewood Police Shootout With Suspect Gabriel Garcia on RTD Bus
LAKEWOOD, Colorado — A Lakewood police agent who was critically wounded during a shootout with a suspect aboard an RTD bus has died, authorities confirmed. The fallen officer was identified as Nic Graham, a member of the Lakewood Police Department since 2019.
Graham was among four police agents injured Thursday evening when an armed confrontation erupted near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. A civilian bystander was also struck by gunfire.
The shooting followed a police search for a suspect connected to a hit-and-run crash reported earlier in the day.
Police said the incident initially began shortly before 3:45 p.m. Thursday, following a hit-and-run collision near Kipling Street and West 13th Avenue in Lakewood.
Witnesses told investigators that the suspect ran away almost immediately after the crash. However, they provided officers with a description that helped police identify and search for the individual.
Lakewood Police Public Information Agent John Romero said witnesses were able to give officers a useful description of the person who fled the scene.
Several hours later, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a Lakewood police agent recognized the individual boarding an RTD bus near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.
Officers approached the suspect at approximately 6:32 p.m. Police said the individual opened fire on officers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Responding officers returned fire, striking the suspect. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene and was identified as Gabriel Garcia.
Garcia was reportedly on parole when the shooting occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Four Lakewood police agents suffered gunshot wounds during the confrontation. Their injuries ranged from serious to critical, and all four were transported to nearby hospitals.
Despite receiving emergency medical treatment, Graham later died from his injuries.
One civilian bystander was also hit by gunfire and hospitalized. The person’s condition had not been publicly disclosed as of Friday afternoon.
Hospital updates released Friday morning indicated that two agents treated at Denver Health Medical Center had been released. Another remained hospitalized, while officials had not provided a complete update on the remaining injured individuals.
Graham began serving with the Lakewood Police Department in 2019 after graduating from the police academy.
Throughout his law enforcement career, he contributed to criminal investigations and earned recognition for his work.
One of his notable achievements came in 2023, when he received the department’s Special Investigations Unit Wingman Award for his contributions to investigations targeting gang members.
Police Chief Philip Smith paid tribute to Graham, highlighting his dedication, compassion and commitment to helping others.
Chief Smith said Graham demonstrated those qualities throughout his career, from his early days on patrol to his investigative work.
His death has left the department and the wider Lakewood community grieving the loss of an officer who dedicated his career to public service.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.
The shooting resulted in the death of suspect Gabriel Garcia, the fatal injury of Agent Nic Graham, injuries to three additional police agents and a civilian bystander.
Officials have not released a final investigative account of the incident. Further updates are expected as investigators establish the complete sequence of events.