Mother Fatally Shot After Protecting Children in Argument Over NFL Game, Sheriff Says
Crystal Roure, 38, was fatally shot by her husband, Jason Kenney, 47, in Highland City on Dec. 22, 2025, after a domestic dispute reportedly over watching Monday Night Football; and Kenney later died by suicide.
Key takeaways
- Victim: Crystal Roure, 38, killed by a gunshot to the head while protecting her children.
- Suspect: Husband Jason Kenney, 47, fled the scene and later died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- Children: A 13-year-old daughter was shot and is recovering; a 12-year-old son was unharmed after running to a neighbor; a 1-year-old was unharmed in a crib.
- Trigger: Authorities say the dispute began when Kenney wanted to watch the end of the San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts game.
What happened, according to investigators
Police say the chain of events began late on Dec. 22, 2025, after Jason Kenney had been drinking in a shed on the family property and came into the Highland City home around 11 p.m. to watch the final minutes of the San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts matchup.
Investigators report Roure told Kenney she did not want to watch; an argument escalated. Roure shouted to her 12-year-old son to run to a nearby neighbor and call 911. The son fled and heard a single gunshot as he ran.
Deputies later found Roure dead in the living room from a gunshot wound to the head. Her 13-year-old daughter had been struck in the shoulder and face while in bed; officers said the bullets missed major organs and she was expected to recover. The 1-year-old infant, asleep in a crib, was unharmed.
Family statements and evidence
Family members and relatives described Roure’s actions as protective. Her sister, Stephanie Roure, told reporters her sibling “died a hero” by getting the son to safety. Relatives said Roure had grown increasingly worried about Kenney’s drinking after they married.
An undated letter found by investigators, allegedly written by Roure to Kenney, warned: “You’re drinking, you’re using cocaine again. This is not the way a family should be. You need God.”
Sheriff’s account and scene details
Sheriff Grady Judd described the scene as a “destroyed family,” noting investigators found a Christmas tree with presents still under it. He relayed that the 13-year-old daughter begged, “Don’t shoot me,” before she was struck.
After the shooting, Kenney called his sister and said he “had done something really bad” and that he “was not going to jail.” He left in a truck and went to a relative’s property in Lake Wales; after deputies contacted him there, Kenney died of a self-inflicted head wound in a shed.
Investigative details and unanswered questions
Relatives told investigators Kenney had abused Roure “for a while,” though deputies said there were no prior domestic violence calls to the home and no criminal record for Kenney. That gap raises questions investigators may pursue: whether earlier signs were missed, whether the family sought undocumented help, or whether warning signs remained private.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office released limited details and did not respond to follow-up requests for comment. Local and national outlets have relied on Sheriff Judd’s statements and interviews with family members to reconstruct the timeline.
What neighbors and first responders saw
Accounts collected by deputies and family include a neighbor who was asked to call 911, a grandparent who later took custody of the surviving children, and emergency teams who found a home marked by trauma and holiday decorations that underscored the suddenness of the violence.
Public records and the larger picture
Investigators noted Kenney had no documented criminal history, which is not uncommon in intimate partner violence when offenses go unreported. The case highlights substance abuse, strained marriage dynamics, and national concerns about domestic violence and gun deaths in the home.
Roure is memorialized on the National Gun Violence Memorial.
Implications for Fresno, California
Although the incident occurred in Highland City, Florida, Fresno agencies and community groups may see echoes of this tragedy. Practical actions include:
- Economic and social services: Review outreach and make hotlines, shelter info, and safe-reporting paths visible.
- Public safety: Reassess response strategies for domestic calls and cross-agency coordination involving firearms.
- Child welfare and education: Strengthen school protocols for mental health referrals and guardianship when parents are incapacitated.
- Community and faith groups: Reinforce training to spot domestic abuse and substance misuse, and promote safety planning.
Practical steps for Fresno residents
- Keep local hotlines and shelter numbers accessible; post resources in schools and clinics.
- Neighbors who suspect danger can call law enforcement or local victim advocates; anyone in immediate danger should call 911.
- National resources include the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) and local Fresno County services.
Sources and reporting notes
This article draws on statements from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and reporting by Times Media Service and other outlets. Primary reporting used includes Fox News, 97.3 The Game, and the National Gun Violence Memorial entry for Roure.
Authorities have not released the full investigative file publicly. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to further requests for comment. This account uses available public statements and family interviews to reconstruct the timeline and document known facts of the Highland City incident.
