FRANKFORT, Ky. — A grand jury has chosen not to indict Jacob Lee Bard, the father of two Kentucky State University students. Bard was charged with murder after a shooting on campus in December. The incident left one student dead and another critically injured.
Bard’s defense attorney, Scott Danks, stated that the grand jury found no reason to indict Bard, allowing him to leave jail. Bard’s legal team argues he acted in self-defense as a group allegedly attacked his family. They claim that about 20 to 30 individuals confronted them, and Bard shot two of them to protect his son from serious harm.
Kentucky State University officials expressed their commitment to safety, stating they will work with law enforcement during this investigation. They are focusing on the welfare of their students after a series of violent incidents on campus. The Bard family had decided to withdraw both sons from school due to previous threats and altercations.
On the day of the shooting, the Bards were moving their younger son out of the dorm with two armed campus police officers present. Their attorneys described how a crowd, wearing masks, rushed at them, attacking violently. One of the sons had previously reported a burglary and faced threats after that incident.
After the shooting, both sons are now living in an undisclosed location due to continued threats against them. Bard’s attorneys maintain that his actions were necessary to save his son’s life.
The shooting incident has raised serious concerns about safety on campus. Just four months prior, shots were fired from a vehicle near the dormitory, injuring two individuals who were not students.
Kentucky State University, established in 1886, has a current enrollment of around 2,200 students. The school administration emphasizes that the grand jury’s decision does not lessen the community’s grief and underscores their commitment to student safety.
Recent data show that incidents of on-campus violence have been rising across the U.S., prompting universities to reevaluate their security measures. According to a 2022 report from the American Council on Education, 25% of students reported feeling unsafe on campus, a statistic that reflects rising concerns about personal safety in educational environments.
As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, seeking answers and support to ensure that such violence does not recur in the future.
Source link
