Highland City murder-suicide: Mom killed shielding children after husband erupts in NFL game
A Highland City, Florida, mother was fatally shot Dec. 22, 2025, after shielding her children during an argument over an NFL game; the husband later died by suicide, leaving three children now in relatives’ care, authorities said.
- Victim and shooter: Crystal Roure, 38, was killed; husband Jason Kenney, 47, later died by suicide.
- Children: A 13-year-old daughter survived two gunshot wounds; a 12-year-old son escaped to call 911; a 1-year-old was unharmed and all are with relatives.
- Scene and motive: The dispute reportedly began after Kenney, intoxicated, came inside to finish watching a Monday Night Football game.
- Investigation and context: Authorities found an undated letter referencing substance use and are examining firearm access, family history and forensic evidence.
What happened: timeline and scene
Police say Kenney had been drinking and watching Monday Night Football in a shed on the family’s Highland City property and returned to the house at about 11 p.m. on Dec. 22 to finish the game. According to Fox News and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Crystal Roure told Kenney she did not want to watch football and the disagreement escalated into a physical fight.
As the struggle progressed, Roure instructed her 12-year-old son to run to a neighbor’s house and call 911; he reported hearing a single gunshot while fleeing. Deputies found Roure in the living room with a gunshot wound to the head. The 13-year-old daughter was discovered in her bed with two gunshot wounds — shoulder and face — but alive; medical updates described her survival as a miracle. The 1-year-old daughter was asleep in a crib and unharmed. (See reporting from Fox News and 973 The Game / iHeart.)
Aftermath and shooter’s actions
After the shooting, Kenney called his sister in upstate New York and said he had “done something really bad,” that he would not go to jail and that she would “see it on the news,” officials said. He then drove to his late father’s home in Lake Wales. Deputies located him in a shed there; he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after law enforcement arrived and made contact. This sequence is summarized in statements by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and local reporting (Fox News).
Survivors and family accounts
Relatives described Crystal Roure as attempting to protect her children. Her sister, Stephanie Roure, told reporters that Crystal “died a hero” by directing her son to seek help and by trying to shield the children. Family members said Kenney had been abusive over time, though law enforcement noted no prior domestic calls or criminal history tied to him. The 13‑year‑old reportedly begged, “Don’t shoot me,” according to Sheriff Judd, but was struck regardless; medical staff later confirmed the daughter was surviving and receiving treatment (Fox News; 973 The Game / iHeart).
Evidence, background and investigation
Investigators recovered an undated letter from Roure to Kenney in which she wrote, “You’re drinking, you’re using cocaine again. This is not the way a family should be. You need God.” Relatives said Kenney’s drinking increased after marriage and that he had promised to seek help but did not follow through. Police are reviewing forensic evidence, scene details and the origin of the firearm as part of an ongoing probe. Local reporting and law enforcement statements are primary sources in the investigation (Fox News).
Public records and memorials
Online memorials have recorded Roure’s death among victims of gun violence. Gun Memorial lists Crystal Roure’s death on Dec. 22, 2025, with a contributed photo. Local residents, neighbors and family members were among those who first found the victims and alerted authorities.
Investigative status and open questions
Authorities continue to examine how family history, substance use and firearm access intersected in this tragedy. Open questions include when and how the weapon was obtained, whether warning signs were visible to neighbors or family and whether interventions could have prevented the deaths. Relatives report prior abuse; officials report no documented domestic calls or criminal records tied to Kenney.
Implications for California: policy and community responses
Economic and family safety concerns: The case highlights risks when substance abuse, domestic violence and firearms converge. In California, prevention strategies include expanded treatment access, safe-storage promotion and community-based outreach.
Law enforcement and legal context: California’s stricter gun laws — background checks, waiting periods and red-flag mechanisms — may reduce similar harms. Policymakers could review how red-flag and safe-storage laws function in rural and suburban areas.
Child welfare and support services: Three minors were left without both parents. Counties should ensure rapid placement with relatives, mental health support, school coordination and financial assistance; local partners such as churches and nonprofits can be effective delivery channels.
Practical steps:
- Encourage safe firearm storage and family de-escalation plans.
- Boost access to substance-use treatment and low-barrier mental health care, including faith-based and private-sector options.
- Expand neighborhood check-in programs during holidays and large events.
- Promote use of temporary restraining orders and extreme-risk protection orders where threats are credible.
Reporting and next steps
Polk County officials continue forensic work and follow-up interviews. Relatives said the children are being cared for by grandparents. Local reporters and law enforcement are expected to provide updates as the probe continues (Fox News; 973 The Game / iHeart).
Sources and reporting links
Reporting by Times Media Service. For follow-up, monitor statements from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and local news outlets listed above.
