Highland City murder-suicide: Mother killed shielding children after dispute over NFL game
Highland City police say a December 22, 2025 murder‑suicide left Crystal Roure dead and her 13‑year‑old stepdaughter wounded after an argument over Monday Night Football; the suspect later died by a self‑inflicted gunshot in Lake Wales.
Key takeaways
- Victim: Crystal Roure, 38, was killed in the family home; reporting available from Fox News.
- Suspect: Jason Kenney, 47, fled and later died by a self‑inflicted gunshot at his father’s Lake Wales property; initial reporting by Fox News.
- Children: A 13‑year‑old stepdaughter was shot twice and survived; a 12‑year‑old ran and called 911; a 1‑year‑old was unharmed. Coverage also by 973 The Game / iHeartRadio.
- Case: Labeled a murder‑suicide by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, who said the episode “absolutely destroyed a family.”
Main story
Key information
Victim: Crystal Roure, 38, died from a gunshot wound to the head inside the couple’s Highland City home. See reporting from Fox News.
Suspect: Jason Kenney, 47, later died of a self‑inflicted gunshot wound at his father’s home in Lake Wales after fleeing the scene. Initial details reported by Fox News.
Children: A 13‑year‑old stepdaughter sustained two gunshot wounds and survived; a 12‑year‑old son ran to a neighbor and called 911; a 1‑year‑old was found unharmed in a crib. (Sources: Fox News; 973 The Game.)
Memorial: The family is listed on the National Gun Violence Memorial at Gun Memorial.
What investigators say happened
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and family accounts, Kenney had been drinking while watching the San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts game in a shed on the property. He entered the house around 11 p.m. on Dec. 22 to see the end of the game. Roure told investigators she did not want to watch football, and an argument began that escalated into a physical confrontation.
Deputies who later responded found Roure dead in the living room from a gunshot wound to the head. As the fight escalated, Roure yelled to the 12‑year‑old son to run to a neighbor’s house and call 911; the boy heard a single gunshot as he fled. Deputies later found the 13‑year‑old stepdaughter in her bed with two gunshot wounds — to the shoulder and the face. Surgeons later described her recovery as a “miracle,” saying bullets missed major organs. The one‑year‑old child was unharmed, asleep in a crib. (Reporting: Fox News; 973 The Game.)
A family member’s account and the scene
Sheriff Grady Judd described the scene as one of shock and heartbreak, noting a Christmas tree with presents under it in the home. Relatives told reporters that Kenney had abused Roure “for a while,” though officials said there was no prior domestic violence call or criminal history on file for him. Investigators say they found an undated letter Roure had written to Kenney that read in part: “You’re drinking, you’re using cocaine again. This is not the way a family should be. You need God.” (Sources: Fox News; 973 The Game.)
The 13‑year‑old later told investigators, “I begged him, don’t shoot me, don’t shoot me, don’t shoot me. And he shot me anyway.” (Source: Fox News.)
Kenney’s actions after the shooting
After the shootings, investigators say Kenney called his sister and said he “did something really bad,” that he “was not going to jail,” and that she would “see it on the news.” He then drove to his deceased father’s home in Lake Wales, entered a shed on the property and died from a self‑inflicted gunshot after deputies called for him to exit. Deputies found him inside the shed. (Sources: Fox News; 973 The Game.)
Victims’ care and family status
Medical teams treated the 13‑year‑old; doctors described her recovery as a “miracle.” Surviving children have been placed with grandparents, relatives said. Roure’s sister called her a “hero” for stepping between Kenney and the children, saving the boy and giving him the chance to save his sister. (Source: 973 The Game.)
Investigative details and unanswered questions
Sheriff Judd called the case a murder‑suicide that “absolutely destroyed a family,” and investigators noted reminders of normal life — a Christmas tree with presents and young children’s belongings. Authorities point to alcohol and past family struggles, including alleged substance use and abuse, as contributing factors. Deputies say there was no prior criminal record for Kenney, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to additional media requests for comment.
Law enforcement will continue to sort evidence, witness statements and phone records. The undated letter found by investigators, relatives’ reports of ongoing abuse, and Kenney’s phone calls after the shooting will factor into the official report and any follow‑up actions by prosecutors or child welfare services. (Source: Fox News.)
Implications for Alamogordo, New Mexico
Though the incident occurred in Florida, the story has potential ripple effects in conservative, family‑oriented communities such as Alamogordo. Local leaders and residents may react across economic, political and social lines.
Economic impact
- Local budgets and public services: High‑profile domestic violence cases can increase calls to fund victim services, law enforcement training and mental health programs; city leaders may face pressure to reallocate resources or pursue bond measures.
- Hospitals and clinics: Trauma care and mental‑health resources could see higher demand after outreach and referrals; local clinics should prepare for counseling requests tied to secondary community trauma.
Political consequences
- Law‑and‑order focus: Conservative voters often prioritize safety; officials may be urged to back programs that strengthen family stability and coordinate police and social services.
- Second Amendment conversations: Expect debates emphasizing safe storage, mental‑health screenings and targeted measures to protect families while respecting lawful gun ownership.
Social effects
- Community trauma and child welfare: Churches, civic groups and schools may increase outreach; child welfare agencies could review procedures to identify at‑risk households.
- Domestic violence awareness: Faith‑based and nonprofit campaigns may expand to spot warning signs, offer safe housing and promote recovery for substance use.
Cultural relevance
Roure’s undated letter urging Kenney to “find God,” and relatives’ portrayal of her as a protector, will resonate where family and faith are central. Faith leaders and community groups can play leading roles in offering counseling and practical help.
Practical applications for residents
- Know the signs: Watch for escalating alcohol or substance use and sudden behavioral changes; early intervention can prevent escalation.
- Report threats: If you suspect domestic violence, report it; timely reporting helps protect children and vulnerable adults.
- Safe storage: Secure firearms to prevent access by people in crisis as a practical, pro‑family safety step.
- Support local resources: Donate time or money to churches, shelters and counseling centers that assist victims and families.
Sources and reporting notes
This report is based on statements from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and reporting by Times Media Service and national outlets. Key reporting sources include Fox News, 973 The Game / iHeartRadio, and the National Gun Violence Memorial. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to additional media requests for comment.
