Suspect in Kentucky State University shooting ID’d as Evansville man
A suspect in custody after a shooting that left one student dead and another injured on Kentucky State University’s campus Tuesday afternoon has been identified as a 48-year-old man from Evansville, Indiana.
The city of Frankfort identified the suspect as Jacob Lee Bard in a news release Tuesday evening. According to his arrest citation, released Wednesday morning, Bard was allegedly involved in a fight on campus and shot the two victims.
Frankfort Police Department Assistant Chief Scott Tracy confirmed Wednesday he is a parent of a KSU student, but did not elaborate on why Bard was on campus or what led up to the shooting.
“It’s really too early in the investigation right now to give any details on what led up to it,” Tracy said Dec. 10. “At this point, a lot of that would be speculation.”
Bard was booked Tuesday into Franklin County Regional Jail on charges of murder and first-degree assault, according to jail records. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Franklin District Court Thursday, Dec. 10.
Frankfort communications manager Blair Hecker confirmed Bard’s age, 48, to the Herald-Leader. Hecker did not share any details of Bard’s relationship to the university or why he was on campus.
The university said the incident happened “in Whitney M. Young Hall, a residence hall on the south side of campus.”
Frankfort Police Department Assistant Chief Scott Tracy said at a news conference Tuesday evening Frankfort police were called about the shooting at 3:10 p.m. and arrived at the scene by 3:14 p.m.
“By that time, KSU campus police had already taken swift action, bringing a suspect into custody,” he said.
Tracy added that the shooting is believed to be “an isolated incident, and there are no active safety concerns on campus at this time.”
KSU President Koffi Akakpo was also present at the news conference, calling the shooting a “senseless tragedy.”
“As a parent, I cannot imagine receiving the call I placed today to the parents. Our students need prayers. Kentucky State University needs prayers,” Akakpo said.
In a statement, the university said it was supporting the families of those affected.
“Counseling and support services continue to be available for students, faculty, and staff who may be impacted by this event. We encourage anyone in need of assistance to contact the University’s counseling services,” a university spokesperson wrote.
This is the second time a shooting was reported on the campus in recent months. Two people were injured in August, after individuals in a car opened fire on a group near Young Hall. Neither of the victims was a student or employee of the university, officials said.
This story was originally published December 9, 2025 at 8:45 PM.
