Grand Jury Declined to Indict Dad Accused of Shooting Student on Kentucky Campus — Now Victim’s Parents Face Charges

The parents of a Kentucky State University student who was fatally shot on campus are now accused of intimidating a man who was initially charged in connection with the killing.

De’Jon Fox Sr. and Chardnae Cleveland were both charged with intimidation, according to Indiana court records. WTHR reported that they are the parents of De’Jon Fox Jr., 19, who was killed on Dec. 9 on the university’s campus in Frankfort, Ky.

WTHR, WDRB and LEX18, citing court records, reported that the intimidation charges stem from alleged threats directed at Jacob Bard, who was initially charged with De’Jon Jr.’s murder.

Bard — the parent of a student at the university — was arrested after authorities said he fatally shot De’Jon Jr. and wounded another student inside a Kentucky State residence hall.

On Dec. 23, however, a grand jury declined to indict Bard. His attorney had previously said Bard acted in self-defense, according to the Associated Press.

Bard’s attorney told the AP that Bard fired only after 20 to 30 people allegedly gathered and attacked his family. The attorney also said Bard had gone to campus to help his two sons move out after they were withdrawn following what the attorney described as “multiple armed, violent” incidents involving them, per the AP.

“Jacob’s actions were absolutely justified under the law, and were the only measure that prevented his son’s death or serious injury,” Bard’s attorneys said, according to the AP.

Bard was later released and will not face charges.

According to WTHR, citing a probable cause affidavit, after the shooting De’Jon Sr. allegedly posted a comment on Facebook that included the line, “YOU WILL FEEL THE SAME HURT I FEEL,” apparently referring to Bard.

Cleveland allegedly wrote, “I want his son dead just like mine,” according to the reported affidavit.

Both De’Jon Sr. and Cleveland have been released from jail on bond following their arrests. It is not clear whether either has entered a plea.