Grand Jury Declines to Indict Parent in Kentucky State University Shooting Case

A grand jury has opted not to indict Jacob Lee Bard, the father of two Kentucky State University students, following a deadly shooting on campus that resulted in one student’s death and another’s critical injuries. The decision, announced by Bard’s defense attorney on social media, allows Bard to walk free after he was accused of murder in connection with a Dec. 9 incident.

This case has raised significant concerns about safety on college campuses and has spotlighted the consequences of violent confrontations in educational settings. The grand jury’s ruling comes at a time when discussions around self-defense and violence in peer interactions are at the forefront of public discourse.

Key Developments

• A grand jury found Jacob Lee Bard acted in self-defense and decided against indicting him for the Dec. 9 shooting.
• Bard’s defense team maintained he was justified in the shooting while defending his son from an aggressive mob.
• The incident took place while Bard’s family was moving his younger son out of the university amidst prior threats against them.
• Bard, 48, is out of jail following the grand jury’s decision, and his bond will be refunded.
• Officials stated that the university remains focused on ensuring a safe environment for its students.

Full Report

Details of the Incident

The shooting incident occurred on December 9, 2025, when Bard and his family were confronted by a large group, estimated to be between 20 and 30 individuals, as they approached the dormitory. Bard’s attorneys alleged that during the confrontation, his son was attacked and beaten, prompting Bard to intervene with his firearm.

Legal Proceedings

Initially charged with murder and first-degree assault, Bard’s attorneys have argued for months that he acted in self-defense. With the grand jury’s recent decision, his legal troubles appear to be resolved, and Bard has been released from custody. His defense attorney, Scott Danks, took to social media to express relief over the ruling, stating unequivocally that “the case is over.”

University’s Response

In response to the grand jury’s decision, Kentucky State University stated that it does not lessen the emotional toll experienced by the community and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a secure environment for students. The university had already faced scrutiny due to previous armed incidents involving its students.

Ongoing Threats

Following the initial incident, Bard’s family decided to withdraw both sons from the university amid escalating threats and violence towards them. Reports indicate that one of the sons had previously been a target of hostile actions after he reported a burglary to campus police, putting their safety in question.

Context & Previous Events

Prior to the December incident, Bard’s family had faced a series of violent encounters on campus, contributing to their decision to transfer their children elsewhere. The incident drew a swift response from law enforcement, involving multiple agencies, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety at educational institutions.