Florida mom killed protecting kids after husband erupts in rage over NFL game, sheriff says
A Florida mother, Crystal Roure, was fatally shot protecting her children during a domestic dispute over an NFL game in Highland City on December 22, 2025; the suspect later died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot, authorities say.
- Fatal outcome: Crystal Roure, 38, was found with a gunshot wound to the head while shielding her children (Fox News).
- Suspect: Jason Kenney, 47, fled the scene and later died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound (Fox News).
- Children: A 13-year-old daughter was shot and is recovering; a 12-year-old son ran for help and was uninjured; a 1-year-old was asleep and unharmed (973 The Game/iHeart; Fox News).
Timeline of the shooting
Short sequence, deadly result. Authorities say Jason Kenney had been watching Monday Night Football—reported as the San Francisco 49ers versus the Indianapolis Colts—inside a shed on the Highland City property and came inside around 11 p.m. to watch the game’s end (Fox News; 973 The Game/iHeart).
According to investigators, the couple argued after Roure declined to watch football. The confrontation escalated; she told her 12-year-old son to run to a neighbor’s house and call 911. The son heard a single gunshot as he fled and then sought help, officials said (Fox News).
When deputies arrived they found Roure dead in the living room, the 13-year-old daughter seriously injured but alive, the 1-year-old asleep and unharmed, and the 12-year-old safe at a neighbor’s home (973 The Game/iHeart; Fox News).
Suspect’s actions after the shooting
After the shooting, Kenney left the home in his truck and called his sister in upstate New York, saying he had “done something really bad and he was not going to jail” and that she would “see it on the news,” according to investigators (Fox News).
He then drove to his deceased father’s home in Lake Wales where law enforcement surrounded the property. When officers arrived, Kenney had an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and was pronounced dead (Fox News).
Evidence of earlier family distress
Investigators recovered an undated letter Roure had written to Kenney in which she warned about drinking and alleged substance use: “You’re drinking, you’re using cocaine again. This is not the way a family should be. You need God,” the sheriff’s office said (Fox News).
Relatives told investigators Kenney had been abusing Roure “for a while.” Family members said he drank more after the marriage and promised—but failed—to seek help. Polk County law enforcement reported no prior recorded domestic violence calls involving the couple; Kenney also had no criminal record before the incident (973 The Game/iHeart; Fox News).
First responders and community reaction
“A family destroyed by violence,” Sheriff Grady Judd said, noting the presence of a decorated Christmas tree and gifts in a scene that “should be” peaceful (Fox News).
Authorities credited Roure’s actions with saving her children’s lives. Her instruction to the 12-year-old to flee likely kept him and the infant from further harm. The surviving children are under the care of their grandparents, law enforcement said (973 The Game/iHeart).
Reporting notes and sources
This account is based on statements from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and local reporting. Key coverage includes reporting by Fox News and 973 The Game/iHeart, which relay police details, family statements and the sheriff’s comments.
Implications for the Inland Empire
The case has broad local implications—from increased demand on social services to policy debates about domestic violence, substance misuse and gun safety. Communities may need to respond across multiple fronts:
Economic impact
- Local services: Domestic violence incidents increase demand for counseling, emergency housing and financial support; agencies may need additional funding and staffing.
- Employers and schools: Surviving children and relatives often face financial strain and disruptions—employers and districts may expand leave policies and counseling supports.
Political consequences
- Policy attention: The gap between warning signs and intervention could push local officials to review prevention programs and coordination among law enforcement and social services.
- Gun safety and substance use: Apparent alcohol use and alleged drug use before the shooting may prompt renewed calls for substance-misuse programs and review of firearm access policies for at-risk individuals.
Social effects
- Community trauma: High-profile family killings affect neighborhoods; schools, churches and community groups may hold memorials and counseling sessions.
- Awareness and reporting: Relatives reported ongoing abuse despite no recorded calls—outreach should focus on helping people recognize signs and report safely.
Cultural relevance
This incident touches on broader themes—conflict over sports, masculinity norms, alcohol-related rage and holiday stressors. Community leaders and youth programs can use this moment to promote healthy conflict resolution and support services during high-stress seasons.
Practical applications for residents
- Know the warning signs: Escalating substance use, threats, controlling behavior, visible injuries, or messages indicating fear. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
- Use local resources: Contact county domestic violence hotlines, shelters and counseling centers; employers and schools may offer assistance programs.
- Safe reporting: Promote anonymous reporting tools and educate communities on documenting incidents safely to help prevent future tragedies.
Reporting responsibly
This investigation relies on law enforcement statements, family accounts and local reporting. Authorities provided the timeline and primary factual details; relatives’ statements and the recovered letter provide context about long-term distress. Additional official records—coroner reports or court files—may clarify details as they become available (Fox News; 973 The Game/iHeart).
Sources preserved: Reporting and statements referenced above are drawn from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and local coverage by Fox News and 973 The Game/iHeart.
