Highland City mom killed shielding kids after husband erupts in rage over NFL game, sheriff says
A Highland City mother, Crystal Roure, 38, was killed Dec. 22, 2025 after shielding her children during an argument over Monday Night Football; authorities say husband Jason Kenney later died by an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.
Key takeaways
- Victim: Crystal Roure, 38, died from a gunshot wound to the head at her Highland City home (source: Fox News).
- Suspect: Husband Jason Kenney, 47, reportedly fled the scene and later died by an apparent self-inflicted gunshot after deputies confronted him (source: Fox News).
- Children: A 13‑year‑old daughter was wounded and is recovering; a 12‑year‑old son was sent to a neighbor to call 911 and was uninjured; a 1‑year‑old remained unharmed (sources: Fox News; 96.9 The Game).
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Timeline and police findings
When: Authorities say the confrontation began around 11 p.m. on Dec. 22, 2025 after Jason Kenney went from a shed on the property into the house to watch the end of a San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts game with his wife.
What happened: The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reports the couple argued after Roure said she did not want to keep watching football; the dispute escalated into a physical altercation and, ultimately, gunfire. As the fight intensified, Roure told her 12‑year‑old son to run to a neighbor and call 911; he heard a single shot while fleeing. Deputies later found Roure with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. The 13‑year‑old daughter was found injured; the infant was unharmed in her crib. (Sources: Fox News; 96.9 The Game).
Family accounts and evidence at the scene
Relatives and investigators described a troubled household. An undated letter found at the home, written by Roure, told Kenney: “You’re drinking, you’re using cocaine again. This is not the way a family should be. You need God,” according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Family members said abuse had been ongoing though public records show no prior domestic violence calls or a criminal history for Kenney (source: Fox News).
Sheriff Grady Judd called the scene “heartbreaking,” describing a Christmas tree with presents and the violence as a destruction of a “nuclear family.”
Family reaction: Crystal’s sister, Stephanie Roure, called her a hero: “She died protecting her children and getting my nephew out… thank God the baby was untouched.” (Source: 96.9 The Game).
Suspect’s actions after the shooting
Investigators report Kenney called his sister, saying he “had done something really bad and was not going to jail” and that she would “see it on the news.” He fled in his truck to his deceased father’s home in Lake Wales, entered a shed, and died from a self-inflicted gunshot after deputies called on him. During that incident, deputies say the 13‑year‑old daughter pleaded, “Don’t shoot me,” but was shot nonetheless. (Source: Fox News.)
Investigation status and public records
At the time of reporting there were no public updates on expanded criminal investigations or new charges. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office did not provide additional comment beyond its initial statement. A memorial entry lists Roure as a victim of gun violence on Dec. 22, 2025. (Sources: Fox News; gunmemorial.org).
Victims’ care and family support
Law enforcement says surviving children are now with relatives. The 13‑year‑old daughter was treated for wounds and, according to reports, is recovering. Family members and neighbors have provided support. Local domestic violence advocates emphasize the need for emergency housing, counseling, legal assistance and financial aid for families impacted by such tragedies.
Context: domestic violence, substance use and firearms
This incident highlights overlapping issues: domestic violence, substance abuse and firearm lethality. Authorities noted alcohol and alleged drug use as contributing tensions; quick access to a firearm turned the dispute fatal. Public health experts and victim advocates often point to increased treatment access, safe storage education and stronger reporting pathways as prevention strategies.
Implications for United States of America
- Public safety and law enforcement response: The case underscores a need for clear reporting pathways, rapid response protocols and outreach so concerns about escalating domestic situations are reported and addressed before they become lethal.
- Support for victims and families: Survivors face emotional and financial scars; communities must ensure shelter, counseling and legal supports are accessible, particularly in suburban and rural counties.
- Substance abuse and mental health: Expanding treatment access and family counseling can reduce risks in volatile households.
- Firearms in domestic settings: The fatal outcome shows how quickly a firearm can turn a dispute deadly; measures from responsible-storage campaigns to targeted legal interventions are often discussed as mitigations.
- Children and long-term recovery: Witnessed or sustained injuries in domestic shootings require coordinated care from schools, pediatricians and child welfare agencies to address trauma and stability.
Reporting and sources
This report is drawn from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office statement and local reporting. Primary details are from Fox News and 96.9 The Game. A memorial entry is available at gunmemorial.org.
Resources for readers
If you or someone you know faces domestic violence, local hotlines, shelters and law enforcement can help. National resources include the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or thehotline.org. Polk County victim services and local community organizations can assist with immediate safety planning, shelter and counseling.
