Frankfort, Kentucky – The parents of a 19-year-old student killed during a large campus brawl and subsequent shooting at Kentucky State University earlier this month have been arrested in Indiana, according to police and court records.
Authorities say the arrests stem from alleged online threats made against the father of the student involved in the shooting, after a grand jury declined to indict him.
Arrests and Charges Filed in Indiana
Police confirmed that De’Jon Darrell Fox Sr., 38, and Chardnae Cleveland, 37, were taken into custody and charged with felony intimidation. The charges are tied to a series of social media posts investigators say were directed at Jacob Bard, the man who fired the shots during the campus incident.
According to a probable cause affidavit reviewed by local television outlets, Fox Sr. allegedly posted messages threatening Bard, including statements that prosecutors say crossed the line into criminal intimidation.
Social Media Posts Cited by Investigators
Court records outline several posts that authorities believe formed the basis for the charges. One post attributed to Fox Sr. reportedly read:
“YOU DONTKNOW WHAT U TOOK FROM ME BUT YOU WILL FEEL THE SAME HURT I FEEL.”
Another post, shared under the profile name “Capo Fatman Fox,” allegedly stated:
“I want his son dead just like mine.”
Investigators also cited a since-deleted post that read, “Might drive to Evansville today to see some vicelords!” Authorities noted in court filings that the Vice Lords are a known criminal street gang associated with violence and organized crime.
What Happened on Campus
The shooting occurred on the afternoon of December 9, when Jacob Bard traveled to the Kentucky State University campus in Frankfort to check on his son’s safety.
According to statements provided by Bard’s attorney, Jonathan Danks, Bard’s son had reported a burglary and later told his parents he had been attacked by a group of individuals, some of whom were students. Bard and his wife went to the campus to address the situation and met with university officials.
Danks said the family became concerned that the university could not guarantee their son’s safety and decided to remove him from campus.
Brawl Escalates Into Deadly Violence
As Bard, his wife, and their son were being escorted to the dorm by a campus police officer, they encountered a growing group of people. Police say the situation escalated rapidly, with as many as 30 individuals allegedly surrounding and attacking Bard and his son.
During the confrontation, Bard opened fire. De’Jon Fox Jr., 19, was fatally shot. Another individual was seriously injured and transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Grand Jury Declines to Indict Shooter
Following an investigation, Bard was initially charged with murder and first-degree assault. He pleaded not guilty, asserting that he acted in self-defense to protect himself and his son.
Earlier this week, a grand jury declined to indict Bard, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges.
Attorney Says Family Faced Threats
After the grand jury’s decision, Bard’s attorney said his client had received multiple death threats. In a written statement, Danks argued that the threats were fueled by what he described as a broader failure to address campus safety concerns.
He also referenced the alleged social media posts, stating that the mother of the deceased student had publicly called for Bard’s son to be killed in retaliation and had referenced criminal gangs.
University Responds to Ongoing Investigation
Kentucky State University released a statement confirming that it is cooperating fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
University President Koffi Akakpo said the institution is reviewing its security procedures and increasing safety measures on campus.
“We remain centered on our students’ safety and well-being,” Akakpo said, adding that the university will take appropriate action through established processes if conduct is found to violate school policies.
Conclusion
The case has drawn intense scrutiny as it weaves together questions of self-defense, campus safety, and the limits of free speech on social media. While the criminal case against the shooter has stalled, the arrests of the victim’s parents underscore how online threats can quickly lead to serious legal consequences.
As investigations continue, authorities say they are focused on preventing further violence and ensuring safety for everyone connected to the campus community.
Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
