Shooting incident at Kentucky State University
One person is dead and another is in stable but critical condition after a shooting at Kentucky State University.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The parent of a Kentucky State University student has been charged in connection with a shooting on campus that left one student dead and another seriously injured, police announced Tuesday.
Jacob Lee Byrd, 48, was formally charged with murder and first-degree assault, according to the Frankfort Police Department. The Evansville Courier & Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported earlier in the day that jail records show Byrd was arrested on preliminary charges.
Police said Byrd was on the Kentucky State University campus in Frankfort, Kentucky, on Dec. 9 when he fired shots at two victims near a dormitory. Two students were shot and transported to a local hospital by Frankfort Fire and EMS.
One student, identified as Dejon Darrell Fox Jr., 19, of Indianapolis, died from his injuries at a hospital, police said. The other student remains in critical condition.
“Frankfort Police believe this is an isolated incident and there are no active safety concerns on campus at this time,” police said in a statement.
Police say the investigation into the shooting is still ongoing.
How did the Kentucky State University shooting happen?
Frankfort Police said they received a report of a shooting on campus around 3:10 p.m. local time on December 9. Kentucky Campus Police already had a suspect in custody when officers arrived on the scene around 3:14 p.m.
Two students suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to a local hospital, police said. According to the latest information from the university, one student has died and the other is in stable but serious condition.
According to Frankfort police, the incident occurred on the south side of campus near the residence halls.
University officials said the school is “in close contact” with the family and “providing all possible support.” Counseling and support services are also available for students, faculty and staff.
The university announced on Dec. 9 that it was canceling all classes, activities, and final exams for the remainder of the week. The school said, “Students can return to their home countries if they wish.”
December 12th was scheduled to be the last day of final exams before the university’s winter break. According to the school’s academic calendar, the first day of the spring semester is scheduled for January 12, 2026.
Who died in the shooting?
Frankfort Police Deputy Chief Scott Tracy confirmed on Dec. 10 that Fox, a student at Kentucky State University, was killed in the shooting.
Early on December 10, the Franklin County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased student as Fox. Fox was pronounced dead at 4:33 p.m. local time on Dec. 9 at Frankfort Regional Medical Center, county Coroner William Harrod said.
An autopsy will be performed on the morning of Dec. 10, and final results are expected within 14 to 16 weeks, Harrod said.
“The Frankfort Police Department extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Fox’s family and friends,” police said in a statement.
Frankfort police said the identity of the second victim is not being released at this time, but the victim remains in intensive care at the hospital.
Who is the suspect in the shooting?
Police have not released details about what led to the shooting or a possible motive. Police said Byrd is a resident of Evansville, Indiana, about 285 miles west of Frankfort.
Police said an investigation revealed that Byrd is the parent of a student at Kentucky State University. According to the arrest warrant, Byrd was involved in a “physical altercation” on campus during which he “grabbed a handgun and shot and killed two other people.”
Byrd is currently being held at the Franklin County Regional Jail, police said. He is scheduled to appear for an arraignment hearing on December 11th.
“Senseless tragedy”
State and local officials said the shooting appears to be an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
“This was not a mass shooting or a random incident,” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said in a video message posted on social media. “The suspected shooter is now in custody. So, while this was a frightening incident, there is no ongoing threat and we believe our family is safe.”
The governor asked Kentucky families to pray for the families of the victims and the Frankfort community.
During a press conference on December 9th, Kentucky State University President Kofi Akakpo called the incident a “senseless tragedy.”
“We are grieving the loss of one of our students. As a parent, I can’t imagine receiving the phone call I made to parents today,” Akakpo said. “Our students need prayers. Kentucky State University needs prayers.”
At a press conference on December 10, he added that he was in contact with the victim’s family and was visiting a second victim in the hospital. “I was there late last night and I went there again this morning and met the student,” he said.
Contributor: Michael Loria, USA TODAY
