Highland City mom killed shielding children after husband erupted over NFL game, sheriff says
Crystal Roure, 38, was killed in her Highland City home on Dec. 22, 2025, after shielding her children during an argument with her husband over an NFL game, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and local reporting.
- Mother killed protecting children: Crystal Roure, 38, died from a single gunshot wound to the head.
- Suspect died by suicide: Jason Kenney, 47, called a family member, fled the scene and later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- Children’s conditions: A 13-year-old daughter was shot twice and is recovering; a 12-year-old son ran for help; a 1-year-old daughter was found unharmed.
- Context and concerns: Deputies say the dispute began after Kenney, who had been drinking while watching Monday Night Football, entered the home to watch the end of the game.
The shooting and immediate response
What deputies found: Polk County deputies arrived at the Highland City home and discovered Crystal Roure in the living room with a fatal head wound. The 13-year-old daughter was found in her bed with two gunshot wounds — one to the shoulder and one to the face — and was transported to a hospital. Authorities later described her recovery as a “miracle” because major organs were spared. The infant daughter was located safe in her crib.
Reporting and official statements include law enforcement accounts and local coverage; see Fox News for detailed scene descriptions.
Suspect’s actions after the shooting
Deputies said Jason Kenney left the home and called his sister in upstate New York, telling her he had “done something really bad,” that he was “not going to jail” and that she would “see it on the news.” Kenney drove to his deceased father’s property in nearby Lake Wales, entered a shed and died from a self-inflicted head wound after deputies shouted for him to come out.
What witnesses and family members said
Family reaction: Roure’s sister, Stephanie Roure, called Crystal a “hero” for saving her 12-year-old son and helping protect the other children. She said the baby was “untouched” and praised her sister’s final act of protection.
“She saved her children,” — family accounts reported to local media and law enforcement.
A local sports reporter described chaotic moments in which a 3-year-old opened the door for a grandfather who then discovered the scene, underscoring how rapidly the holiday evening turned tragic. See local coverage at 97.3 The Game.
Background and possible motive
Investigators reported the dispute began after Kenney, who had been drinking and watching Monday Night Football in a shed on the property, entered the home about 11 p.m. to watch the end of the San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts game. The argument erupted when Roure said she did not want to watch, and the situation escalated to gunfire.
Family notes and evidence of prior problems
Family members told police and reporters that Kenney had been abusive and that his drinking had increased. Investigators found an undated note attributed to Roure that read in part: “You’re drinking, you’re using cocaine again. This is not the way a family should be. You need God.” Authorities reported Kenney had no prior criminal record or domestic violence calls on file; officials say they are still verifying the full history.
Aftermath for the children and community response
The three children are now in the care of grandparents. Community members and extended family described a shocked reaction in Highland City and surrounding Polk County. Roure’s name has been added to the National Gun Violence Memorial; see her listing at National Gun Violence Memorial.
Sheriff Grady Judd called the scene the destruction of a “nuclear family,” noting the Christmas tree and presents still in the house, emphasizing the human toll during the holiday season.
Investigative questions and law enforcement notes
Polk County investigators continue to reconstruct the timeline and verify communications and movements before and after the shooting. Deputies have detailed Kenney’s call to his sister and his trip to his father’s property. Because Kenney died by suicide, no charges were filed; the sheriff’s office has asked anyone with information about the couple’s relationship or the events of Dec. 22 to come forward.
Sources and reporting
This account draws from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office statement and reporting by Times Media Service partners and local outlets. Key reporting and memorial listings include:
Implications for Utah
Though this incident occurred in Florida, several implications are relevant to Utah communities and leaders:
- Family safety and domestic violence awareness: Communities should remain alert for signs of abuse and substance relapse and connect families to resources early.
- Substance use and mental health access: The reported mix of alcohol and alleged cocaine use highlights needs for addiction treatment and counseling access.
- Gun safety and secure storage: Households with firearms should review safe storage practices and emergency plans to reduce risks in domestic disputes.
- Law enforcement and social services coordination: Strengthening coordination between police and social services may help identify at-risk families sooner.
- Community and church roles: Faith and civic groups can educate congregations about signs of domestic violence and referral pathways while supporting trauma-affected children.
- Policy and prevention: Local leaders may consider discussing funding for mental health, addiction services, domestic violence prevention and firearm safety initiatives that align with community values.
For further information from reporting and official statements, see: Fox News; 97.3 The Game; and the National Gun Violence Memorial.
