De'Jon Fox Jr., 19, was fatally shot on Dec. 9 in a residence hall at Kentucky State University. Jacob Bard — initially arrested in the case — was not indicted by a grand jury on Dec. 23 after his attorneys said he acted in self-defense. The victim’s parents, De'Jon Fox Sr. and Chardnae Cleveland, were charged in Indiana with intimidation over alleged social media threats toward Bard and have been released on bond. Plea status for the parents remains unclear.
Grand Jury Declines To Indict In KSU Dorm Shooting; Victim’s Parents Charged With Intimidation
GofundmeDe'Jon Fox Jr.
The parents of a 19-year-old student who was fatally shot on the campus of Kentucky State University are facing intimidation charges after allegedly threatening a man initially arrested in the case.
What Happened
De'Jon Fox Jr., 19, was shot and killed and another student was wounded on Dec. 9 in a residence hall at Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Ky. Authorities initially arrested Jacob Bard — a parent of a student at the university — in connection with the incident.
Grand Jury Decision
On Dec. 23, a grand jury declined to indict Bard, the Associated Press reported. Bard’s attorneys said he fired in self-defense after a crowd of roughly 20 to 30 people allegedly gathered and threatened his family. According to his defense, Bard had been on campus to help his two sons move out after they were withdrawn amid prior violent incidents.
Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office (2)Chardnae Cleveland, left, and De'Jon Fox Sr.
“Jacob’s actions were absolutely justified under the law, and were the only measure that prevented his son’s death or serious injury,”
New Charges Against Victim’s Parents
Indiana court records show De'Jon Fox Sr. and Chardnae Cleveland were charged with intimidation in connection with alleged threats directed at Bard after the shooting. A probable cause affidavit cited by WTHR includes an alleged Facebook comment from De'Jon Sr.: "YOU WILL FEEL THE SAME HURT I FEEL." The affidavit also quotes Cleveland as saying, "I want his son dead just like mine."
Both parents were released on bond. It was not immediately clear whether either has entered a plea.
Reporting And Sources
This account relies on reporting from local outlets WTHR, WDRB and LEX18, and national coverage by the Associated Press and People. Court records and the probable cause affidavit are cited by the local reports.
Note: The grand jury's decision means Bard will not face criminal charges in this matter at this time; the intimidation charges against Fox Sr. and Cleveland remain pending as their cases proceed in Indiana.
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