A grand jury has declined to indict Jacob Lee Bard, the father of two Kentucky State University students, who had been charged with murder and first-degree assault following a Dec. 9 shooting. The shooting resulted in one student's death and another being critically injured. Bard's attorneys stated that the grand jury found his actions to be in self-defense, as he was protecting his son from an attack by 20-30 individuals.
Bard's attorneys explained that the family was moving one of his sons out of the dorm, accompanied by campus police, when a group of masked individuals attacked them. During the assault, Bard's son was reportedly beaten and had his head struck against the pavement. The family had previously withdrawn their sons from the university due to multiple violent incidents targeting them. These threats allegedly escalated after one of Bard's sons reported a burglary. Bard, who had been held on $100,000 bail, has since been released from jail, and the case against him is now closed.
Kentucky State University acknowledged the grand jury's decision, stating that it "does not lessen the pain our community continues to feel, nor does it change our priorities." The university reiterated its commitment to student support and ensuring a safe campus environment.