Highland City murder-suicide: Mom shields children after husband erupts over NFL game; she tells son to run for help
On December 22, 2025, in Highland City, Florida, Crystal Roure, 38, was fatally shot by her husband, Jason Kenney, 47, after an argument tied to an NFL game; Kenney later died by suicide following heavy drinking.
- Mother shielded children: Crystal Roure ordered her 12‑year‑old son to run for help; he called 911 and likely saved lives.
- Shooting and suicide: Deputies say Jason Kenney shot Roure, wounded a 13‑year‑old daughter, then later died of a self‑inflicted gunshot in a shed.
- Evidence and history: Investigators recovered an undated letter from Roure alleging Kenney’s drinking and cocaine use; family reported a pattern of abuse.
- Community impact: The case raises questions about domestic violence warning signs, substance abuse, and local support systems for families in crisis.
Details of the incident
When and where: According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred the night of December 22, 2025, in a Highland City home. Deputies say Kenney had been drinking while watching Monday Night Football in a shed on the family property before coming inside around 11 p.m.
Escalation: Roure told Kenney she did not want to watch football and the couple argued. As the fight escalated, Roure yelled for her 12‑year‑old son to run to a neighbor’s house and call 911; the boy fled and heard a single gunshot, deputies said.
Casualties: Deputies later found Roure dead in the living room from a gunshot wound to the head. Her 13‑year‑old daughter was struck in the shoulder and face in her bed but survived; the 1‑year‑old remained asleep in a crib and was unharmed.
The initial reporting of the incident was covered by Fox News and iHeartRadio (96.9 The Game).
After the shooting and suspect death
After the shooting, Kenney called his sister and told her he “had done something really bad and was not going to jail,” according to deputies. He left in his truck, drove to his deceased father’s shed in Lake Wales, and law enforcement heard a gunshot when they called for him. Kenney was found with a self‑inflicted head wound; Polk County deputies secured both scenes and handled the investigation.
Background and evidence
Investigators recovered an undated letter written by Roure that addressed substance use and the marriage. The letter read in part:
“You’re drinking, you’re using cocaine again. This is not the way a family should be. You need God.”
Family members told investigators Kenney had been abusive toward Roure for some time, though deputies noted there were no prior domestic‑violence calls to the residence and that Kenney had no known criminal history in Polk County records released to the press.
Sheriff Grady Judd described the scene as the destruction of a “nuclear family,” noting the Christmas tree and presents left in the home on the holiday‑season night of the killing.
Family perspectives
Roure’s sister, Stephanie Roure, told reporters that Crystal “died a hero” by saving her son and helping him to save his sister. Family members confirmed the children are now placed with grandparents while they recover physically and emotionally from the shooting.
Aftermath and official response
Polk County deputies secured the home and the shed in Lake Wales and continue to review evidence. Officials publicly expressed sorrow, highlighting the tragedy as a reminder of domestic‑violence dangers and the risks of substance abuse. Roure’s name has been added to the National Gun Violence Memorial registry.
Investigative questions still open
- No prior reports: Why were there no prior domestic‑violence calls if family members report abuse? Deputies say no calls were on record; investigators will review communications, medical visits and witness accounts.
- Role of substances: What role did alcohol and alleged drug use play in escalating the argument tied to the NFL game? The undated letter and family accounts raise concerns about ongoing substance use.
- Missed intervention opportunities: Were there missed chances for neighbors, family, or authorities to intervene? Community and law‑enforcement records could provide answers.
Why this matters: mom shields kids, family safety and community responsibility
For readers focused on family stability and community order, this case raises stark questions about protecting children, confronting substance abuse, and ensuring timely intervention. Roure’s final act — ordering her son to run to a neighbor and call 911 — is framed by relatives as a selfless choice that likely saved lives and demands greater community vigilance.
Implications for Hesperia, California
Economic impact: Short‑term needs may include local fundraising and support from charities and faith groups to assist the grandparents and fund counseling and medical care. Long‑term, demand for mental‑health and substance‑abuse services could increase.
Political consequences: Local leaders may face pressure to expand behavioral‑health care, fund domestic‑violence prevention programs, and strengthen outreach to families showing warning signs.
Social effects: Neighborhoods may respond with increased grief and vigilance; schools may need to prepare trauma‑informed services for students affected by violence.
Cultural relevance: The letter alleging Kenney’s drinking and cocaine use may prompt faith‑based and community conversations about addiction, recovery, and how cultural attitudes influence whether men seek treatment.
Practical applications for residents
- Know the signs: Learn warning signs of escalating domestic conflict and substance abuse; early intervention may include contacting law enforcement, clergy, school counselors, or county hotlines.
- Use local resources: Reach out to San Bernardino County domestic‑violence services, local churches, and nonprofits for counseling and shelter referrals.
- Neighborhood action: Neighbors should learn how to safely report suspected domestic violence and make discreet offers of help; for immediate danger, call 911.
Sources and further reading
- Fox News: “Mom killed shielding kids after husband erupts in rage over NFL game, police”
- iHeartRadio (96.9 The Game): “Heroic act of wife killed by husband during NFL game rage revealed”
- National Gun Violence Memorial: Crystal Roure Kenney memorial
This report relies on statements from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and interviews with family members as reported by the Times Media Service and local media outlets listed above. Further developments and official releases from Polk County may provide more details as investigators continue their review.
