Crime
Kentucky State University Shooting Suspect Identified as 48-Year-Old Jacob Lee Bard
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State University (KSU) remains on lockdown after a deadly shooting on campus Tuesday afternoon that left one student dead and another critically injured.
Authorities have confirmed that the suspected gunman, who is not affiliated with the university, has been taken into custody.
According to Frankfort Police, officers responded to reports of an active aggressor on the KSU campus shortly after 3:10 p.m.
Police arrived within minutes and quickly located the scene of the shooting, which occurred in the south campus area near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall.
University officials confirmed that two students were shot. One student died from their injuries, while the second is listed in stable but critical condition and is receiving ongoing medical care.
During an evening press conference, Frankfort Police identified the suspect as 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana.
Bard has been charged with murder and first-degree assault. He was taken into custody without further incident and has been booked in the Franklin County Regional Jail. Investigators confirmed that both victims were current KSU students.
Authorities credited the swift and coordinated response of local, state, and federal agencies for containing the situation almost immediately and preventing further harm.
Officials emphasized that the incident was isolated and that there is no continuing threat to the campus or surrounding community.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the tragedy in a video message, extending condolences and urging unity:
“Violence has no place in our commonwealth or our country. 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 an official statement confirming the victims’ student status and expressing profound grief over the loss:
“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 the families, the University will not release identifying information at this time. Counseling and support services are available for students, faculty, and staff.”
In response to the incident, KSU has canceled all classes, final exams, and campus activities for the remainder of the week. Students are permitted to return home if they choose, and counseling resources remain available for anyone affected.
Community reaction has been swift, with Frankfort City Commissioner Katima Smith-Willis urging residents to come together during a moment of profound loss:
“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.”
Further updates will be released through official Kentucky State University channels as additional information becomes available.
Coffee County, Ala. — A homicide investigation is underway after a fatal shooting at a residence near Kinston on Monday morning, authorities confirmed.
According to Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd, deputies responded at approximately 7:51 a.m. to a reported shooting along County Road 483, just off County Road 89 in the Kinston area.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a deceased individual at the scene.
Officials later indicated the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between two individuals, though additional details have not yet been released.
Authorities identified the suspect as Joseph Levi Jackson, who was wanted in connection with the shooting death of his father.
Jackson was initially reported to have fled the scene on foot and was considered armed and dangerous.
The search involved multiple agencies, including the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Geneva County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), including troopers and State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents.
State tracking dogs were deployed as part of the coordinated search effort, particularly near Hattaway Road and Charolais Road, off Covington County Road 89.
Jackson was last described as wearing a black and red flannel shirt, blue jeans, and a black baseball cap.
Law enforcement urged residents not to approach the suspect and to contact 911 with any information.
Following an intensive search, Sheriff Byrd confirmed that Jackson was located and taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities have not yet announced formal charges but confirmed that the investigation is being led by ALEA.
The suspect’s temporary flight prompted Kinston School to delay its opening on Monday morning. School officials later announced a full closure for the day out of an abundance of caution.
In a statement, school administrators thanked local law enforcement for their swift and professional response, emphasizing that the safety of students, staff, and families remains their top priority.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue processing the scene and gathering additional information.