Wife killed shielding children after husband erupts in rage over NFL game in Highland City; police call it a murder‑suicide
On December 22, 2025 in Highland City, Florida, Crystal Roure, 38, was fatally shot by her husband, Jason Kenney, 47, during an argument over Monday Night Football; Kenney later died of an apparent self‑inflicted gunshot.
Key takeaways
- Victim: Crystal Roure, 38, was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head in the living room; reporting cites the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Fox News.
- Shooter: Jason Kenney, 47, later died from an apparently self‑inflicted gunshot wound at a property in Lake Wales (sources: Polk County Sheriff’s Office; Fox News).
- Children: A 13‑year‑old stepdaughter was shot twice and survived; a 1‑year‑old daughter was unharmed in her crib (Fox News; iHeart/969 The Game).
- Context: The dispute reportedly began when Roure declined to watch the end of a San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts game with Kenney, who had been drinking on the property (Fox News; iHeart/969 The Game).
Main content
Key information
Victim: Crystal Roure, 38, found dead from a gunshot wound to the head in the living room. (Sources: Polk County Sheriff’s Office statement; Fox News.)
Shooter: Jason Kenney, 47, later died from an apparently self‑inflicted gunshot wound at a property in nearby Lake Wales. (Sources: Polk County Sheriff’s Office statement; Fox News.)
Other victims: A 13‑year‑old stepdaughter was shot twice (shoulder and face) and survived. A 1‑year‑old daughter was unharmed and found in her crib. (Sources: Fox News; iHeart/969 The Game.)
Circumstances: The dispute reportedly began when Roure declined to watch the end of a San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts game with Kenney, who had been drinking in a shed on the property. (Sources: Fox News; iHeart/969 The Game.)
Investigation notes: Deputies described the scene as a “destroyed family.” An undated letter from Roure referencing Kenney’s drinking and alleged drug use was recovered. Relatives told reporters Roure had suffered abuse “for a while.” (Sources: Fox News; iHeart/969 The Game.)
Details of the shooting
According to a statement from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Kenney had been watching Monday Night Football inside a shed on the family’s property and had been drinking, then entered the house at about 11 p.m. to watch the end of the game with his wife. The statement says the pair argued after Roure said she did not want to watch football. (Sources: Polk County Sheriff’s Office; Fox News.)
Sequence: During the confrontation, Roure told her 12‑year‑old son to run to a neighbor’s house and call 911. As the boy fled, he heard a single gunshot, police said. Deputies later found Roure dead in the living room from a head gunshot wound. The 13‑year‑old stepdaughter was found shot twice in her bed and survived; she reportedly begged, “Don’t shoot me,” as the gunfire began, according to family accounts shared with reporters. The youngest child, a 1‑year‑old, was found safe in a crib. (Sources: Fox News; iHeart/969 The Game.)
Police response and Kenney’s actions after the shooting
After the shootings, Kenney called his sister in upstate New York and told her he “did something really bad” and that he was “not going to jail,” saying she would see it on the news, according to interviews reported by media outlets. He drove away from the home in his truck and went to his deceased father’s property in Lake Wales. Deputies tracked him there, called for him to surrender, and found him deceased inside a shed from an apparently self‑inflicted gunshot wound to the head. (Sources: Fox News; iHeart/969 The Game.)
Background, evidence and family accounts
Relatives and people who knew the family told reporters that Roure had experienced abuse from Kenney “for a while,” though authorities said there was no public record of prior domestic violence calls or a criminal history for Kenney. An undated letter found at the home, reportedly written by Roure to Kenney, said in part: “You’re drinking, you’re using cocaine again. This is not the way a family should be. You need God.” Family members also told reporters they believed Kenney’s drinking increased after the couple married and that Roure had repeatedly asked him to stop. (Sources: Fox News; iHeart/969 The Game.)
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd described the scene to reporters as a household torn apart by violence and noted the surreal presence of a decorated Christmas tree with presents in the home. Deputies said Roure died trying to protect her children. Roure’s sister, Stephanie Roure, told local media her sister “died a hero” and said the family is now rebuilding around the surviving children, who are in the care of grandparents. (Sources: Fox News; iHeart/969 The Game.)
Records, memorials and official communications
Crystal Roure is listed on the National Gun Violence Memorial as a victim lost to gun violence on December 22, 2025, in Highland City. (See: Gun Memorial.) The Polk County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement describing the case as an apparent murder‑suicide; at the time of reporting, the office had not responded to follow‑up media questions. (Sources: Fox News.)
Context: domestic violence and guns
This incident adds to national concerns about the intersection of domestic violence and firearms. Advocates and law enforcement note that arguments can escalate quickly when alcohol and guns are present. The undated letter reporting alleged drug use and renewed drinking by Kenney, combined with family reports of past abuse, raise familiar red flags for domestic violence experts: substance use, a history of controlling or violent behavior, and access to firearms. (Sources: Fox News; iHeart/969 The Game.)
Implications for United States
Economic impact: Fatal domestic incidents place costs on communities and families. Survivors and relatives may need financial help for medical bills, therapy, childcare and legal services. Local agencies and charities often shoulder short‑term costs when children lose one or both parents. This case underscores the need to invest in community supports that can help families cope after sudden tragedy. (See local reporting: iHeart/969 The Game.)
Political consequences: Violent domestic episodes like the Highland City murder‑suicide drive policy debates at the state and federal level. Conservatives in many states press for better enforcement of existing laws that keep firearms out of the hands of those who have committed domestic abuse. Others call for stronger mental health and substance‑abuse interventions. This case is likely to be cited by policymakers on both sides as they weigh law enforcement strategies, gun safety measures and funding for domestic violence prevention. (Context sources: Fox News.)
Social effects: The instant harm to children and extended family is profound. The surviving 13‑year‑old and the family’s 12‑year‑old son will need long‑term counseling after witnessing and fleeing violence. The case is a stark example of how domestic violence affects children directly and indirectly. Community groups, schools and faith leaders in neighborhoods across the U.S. may see increased demand for trauma services after high‑profile local cases like this one. (Reporting: iHeart/969 The Game.)
Cultural relevance: The fight that preceded the shootings reportedly began over watching an NFL game. For many families, sports are a routine part of home life. This tragedy makes clear that ordinary domestic disagreements can turn deadly when alcohol, unresolved conflict and guns are involved. Conservative audiences who value family stability and personal responsibility may view this case as a call to reinforce those values, to address substance abuse proactively, and to support policies that protect children and spouses. (Sources: Fox News.)
Practical applications for residents and policymakers
- Families should have safety plans when they live with someone who drinks heavily or has a history of violence. Local domestic violence hotlines and shelters can help create those plans.
- Medical providers and schools can screen for signs of domestic abuse and refer families to services before situations escalate.
- Lawmakers and law enforcement can review protocols for responding to calls that involve alcohol, threats and guns to see where prevention and early intervention could be strengthened.
- Community organizations, employers and faith groups can expand support for substance‑use treatment and family counseling to reduce the risk of escalation. (Local context: iHeart/969 The Game.)
Sources and further reading
Polk County Sheriff’s Office statement and local reporting (Fox News)
Local reporting and family interviews (iHeart/969 The Game)
National Gun Violence Memorial listing for Crystal Roure (Gun Memorial)
Police did not respond to some media follow‑up requests at the time of reporting. Additional records or official reports may provide more detail as the investigation continues.
