Highland City mom killed shielding children after husband erupts over NFL game, sheriff says
Crystal Roure, 38, was fatally shot by her husband, Jason Kenney, after an argument about an NFL game on Dec. 22, 2025, in Highland City, Florida; she reportedly shielded her children as violence suddenly erupted.
- Fatal outcome: Crystal Roure, 38, was found shot in the living room; her husband, Jason Kenney, 47, later died by an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- Children impacted: A 13-year-old daughter was shot and is in critical condition; a 12-year-old son fled for help; a 1-year-old was unharmed in a crib.
- Reported trigger: Deputies say an argument over watching the Monday Night Football game and alcohol use escalated into deadly violence.
- Ongoing questions: Investigators and family members note gaps in records about prior abuse, weapon ownership and how the events unfolded before and after the shooting.
Details of the incident
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd provided a chronology relayed to media. According to the sheriff’s office, Jason Kenney had been drinking while watching the Monday Night Football game in a shed on the family property, then came inside around 11 p.m. on Dec. 22, 2025. Deputies say the couple argued after Crystal Roure said she did not want to watch football; the disagreement quickly escalated into a physical altercation.
During the struggle, deputies report Roure told her 12-year-old son to run to a neighbor’s house and call 911. As he fled he heard a single gunshot. Deputies later located Roure in the living room with a fatal gunshot wound to the head and found the couple’s 13-year-old daughter shot twice in her bed; she was transported to a hospital in critical condition. The 1-year-old child was discovered unharmed in a crib.
(Source: Fox News coverage of the sheriff’s release)
Sheriff’s statement and family response
Investigators say Kenney called his sister after the shooting and said, “I’ve done something really bad and I’m not going to jail.” He then left the scene and went to his deceased father’s property in Lake Wales, where authorities later heard a gunshot; Kenney was found with an apparently self-inflicted head wound and pronounced dead at the scene.
Sheriff Judd’s office recovered an undated letter from Roure to Kenney in the home in which she wrote: “You’re drinking, you’re using cocaine again. This is not the way a family should be. You need God.” Family members described Roure as protective and called her a hero for directing the son to run for help; they also said Kenney’s drinking and alleged abuse had increased after marriage, although investigators report no prior domestic calls on file.
Background: warning signs and reporting gaps
Authorities and advocates note familiar patterns that can precede fatal domestic incidents—substance abuse, controlling behavior and threats. In this case, family members reported such patterns, but public records and media searches show no prior criminal history or documented domestic calls for Kenney. That disparity highlights a common challenge: victims may not report abuse for many reasons, including fear, financial dependence, or hope the abuser will change.
Sheriff’s investigators also noted a Christmas tree and wrapped presents in the home, underscoring the holiday context in which the violence occurred.
National reporting and record
The incident is recorded by the National Gun Violence Memorial, and several local and national outlets reported similar timelines and descriptions of a murder‑suicide tied to an argument about watching TV and drinking during the game. Additional coverage includes reporting from 1360Sports / iHeart and AOL, which reiterated the sheriff’s timeline and the family’s statements.
Investigative questions remaining
As of the latest public reports, Polk County deputies had released an initial statement but offered few additional updates. Open questions that remain include:
- Whether the firearm was legally owned or registered and how the weapon was accessed.
- Whether prior, unreported incidents occurred and if there were missed opportunities for intervention.
- Whether any neighbors observed or heard activity before the shooting and whether other evidence (toxicology, forensics) will be released publicly.
Authorities and journalists continue to monitor records and official releases for updates on weapon ownership, toxicology and any new investigative findings. (Source: Fox News coverage of the sheriff’s release)
Implications for The High Desert, California
Community safety and domestic violence awareness: The Highland City shooting underscores how quickly disputes can turn deadly. Local leaders in the High Desert can use the case to reinforce outreach, prevention and low‑barrier reporting options.
Support services and access to help: The apparent gap between family reports of abuse and the lack of prior police calls points to the need for accessible hotlines, shelters and counseling. Emphasizing discreet pathways for help can encourage victims to seek assistance.
Law enforcement response and school safety: With a 13-year-old critically injured and a 12-year-old who fled to a neighbor, schools and police should review crisis communication and coordination with child welfare agencies.
Substance abuse resources and firearm safety: The Polk County account cites alcohol and alleged drug use. Strengthening treatment access, family-based interventions and promoting safe firearm storage—such as lockboxes—can reduce risks without politicizing prevention strategies.
Practical steps for neighbors: The 12-year-old’s decision to run to a neighbor helped save his life; community vigilance, neighborhood check‑ins and prompt reporting can be life‑saving.
Sources and reporting
This article draws on the Polk County Sheriff’s Office statement and media reporting. Key reporting used in this story includes:
- Fox News coverage of the sheriff’s release
- National Gun Violence Memorial record for Crystal Roure
- 1360Sports / iHeart coverage
- AOL reporting
“I’ve done something really bad and I’m not going to jail.” — Statement attributed to Jason Kenney in calls relayed by Polk County investigators.
Note: Authorities had not released further public updates beyond the initial sheriff’s statement at the time of reporting. Journalists and investigators will continue to monitor official releases and public records for details on weapon ownership, toxicology and any additional findings.
