Mom Killed Shielding Kids After Husband’s Rage Over NFL Game, Sheriff Says — Highland City Domestic Violence Case Draws Shock
Crystal Roure, 38, was shot dead Dec. 22, 2025, by her husband, Jason Kenney, 47, after a dispute about Monday Night Football in Highland City, Florida; she shielded her children, one daughter wounded, suspect later died by suicide.
Key takeaways
- Fatal domestic shooting: Crystal Roure, 38, was fatally shot in the living room; her husband, Jason Kenney, 47, later died by suicide.
- Children affected: A 13-year-old daughter was wounded (reportedly shot twice); a 12-year-old son fled for help; a 1-year-old was unharmed.
- Incident context: The dispute began after Kenney watched Monday Night Football and was drinking; an undated note alleging substance use was recovered.
- Investigation ongoing: Deputies are finalizing reports and examining evidence; initial statements came from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Key information
- Victim: Crystal Roure, 38 (Fox News).
- Suspect: Jason Kenney, 47, who later died by suicide (Fox News).
- Date/time: Night of Dec. 22, 2025; Kenney entered the home about 11 p.m. after watching Monday Night Football (Fox News).
- Children: 12-year-old son (fled for help), 13-year-old daughter (wounded but alive), 1-year-old unharmed (iHeartRadio).
What happened: a close look at the timeline
Polk County Sheriff’s Office says Kenney had been drinking while watching the San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts game in a shed on the property, then came into the home to see the end of Monday Night Football around 11 p.m. on Dec. 22, 2025. According to investigators, Roure told deputies she did not want to watch the game and a verbal argument began that quickly grew physical.
As the confrontation escalated, Roure yelled to her 12-year-old son to run to a neighbor’s house and call 911; the boy reported hearing a single gunshot while fleeing. Deputies arriving at the Highland City home found Roure dead in the living room from a gunshot to the head; the couple’s 13-year-old daughter had been shot twice (shoulder and face) while in her bed. A 1-year-old was found asleep and unharmed in a crib.
Suspect actions after the shootings
After the shootings, Kenney called his sister and told her he “had done something really bad and was not going to jail,” warning she would see it on the news, according to law enforcement. He then drove to his late father’s property in nearby Lake Wales, entered a shed there and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after deputies called out to him.
Victim, family account and community response
Family members described Roure as a protective mother who put her children first. Her sister, Stephanie, told reporters Roure died a hero after sending their 12-year-old son for help. Relatives said Kenney had been abusive to Roure “for a while,” though law enforcement records showed no prior domestic violence calls or criminal history for him.
Sheriff Grady Judd described the scene — a home with a Christmas tree and presents — as devastating and said the violence had destroyed what he called a “nuclear family.” He noted the 13-year-old begged, “Don’t shoot me,” before being struck.
Family reports indicate the 13-year-old was initially in critical condition but later reported to be recovering well; relatives called the outcome a miracle because the bullet missed major organs (AOL).
Investigative details and evidence
Deputies recovered an undated note from Roure addressed to Kenney that read in part:
“You’re drinking, you’re using cocaine again. This is not the way a family should be. You need God.”
That note is part of evidence officers collected while investigating the domestic violence element of the case. Relatives told reporters Kenney’s drinking increased after marriage despite promises to stop.
Police said there was no known prior arrest history for Kenney and no prior domestic calls on file. Deputies are finalizing reports and examining physical evidence and communications as part of the ongoing investigation; no further official updates were available at the time of reporting.
Public records and memorials
Roure has been memorialized on the National Gun Violence Memorial, where friends and family have contributed a photo and tribute. Local relatives said the children are now in the care of grandparents while the family arranges memorials and support.
Media accounts note an older neighbor and a sports reporter’s young child were involved in discovering the scene, adding layers of trauma to a small community already reeling from the violence.
Why the story matters: domestic violence and public safety questions
This case raises urgent public safety issues:
- Substance use and alcohol as potential catalysts in domestic violence.
- Warning signs within families and the gap between reported abuse and law enforcement records.
- Prevention challenges when prior incidents are not reported and therefore not tracked by authorities.
Implications for San Diego, California
Economic impact: Domestic homicides impose costs on emergency response, hospital care and social services. Nonprofits and agencies often provide counseling and financial aid, while families face sudden expenses.
Political consequences: High-profile cases can drive policy debates on gun safety, domestic-violence prevention funding and substance-abuse programs. Officials may face pressure to improve data-sharing between social services and law enforcement.
Social effects and cultural relevance: The emotional toll on children and neighbors can be deep. This case — tied to a football argument and alcohol — may prompt local conversations about safe drinking and conflict management during major sporting events.
Practical applications: Residents can reduce risk by knowing domestic-violence hotlines, creating safety plans, reporting concerning behavior, and supporting local nonprofits that assist survivors and children.
Reporting notes and sources
This article relies on initial reports and statements from law enforcement and relatives as published by Times Media Service and other outlets as investigators continue to review the case. Key sources used in reporting include Fox News, iHeartRadio, an AOL report on the daughter’s condition, and the National Gun Violence Memorial.
Authorities and next steps
Authorities have not released additional official updates from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office beyond initial statements. Journalists and community members should expect further information as investigators complete forensics and interviews.
Sources and further reading: Fox News, iHeartRadio, AOL, National Gun Violence Memorial.
