Highland City mom killed shielding kids after NFL game fight; husband dies by apparent suicide in aftermath — Crystal Roure domestic violence case draws scrutiny
Crystal Roure, 38, was fatally shot by her husband in Highland City on December 22, 2025, while shielding their children during a domestic dispute tied to an NFL game; her husband later died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Key takeaways
- Fatality: Crystal Roure, 38, died of a gunshot wound to the head.
- Suspect: Jason Kenney, 47, reportedly had been drinking while watching Monday Night Football and later died of an apparent self-inflicted wound.
- Children: A 13-year-old daughter suffered nonfatal wounds and is recovering; a 12-year-old son called for help and escaped; a 1-year-old was unharmed.
- Sources: Initial public details come from the Fox News report and local reporting by 97.3 The Game / iHeartRadio.
The night it happened
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the events unfolded on the night of December 22, 2025. Relatives say Jason Kenney had been drinking while watching Monday Night Football in a shed on the family property before coming inside around 11 p.m. to watch the end of the game — identified by family as the San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts — where a disagreement with his wife escalated into violence. Reporting and the sheriff’s statement are summarized in the Fox News account and local coverage by 97.3 The Game.
Injuries and family accounts
Deputies say the couple argued after Roure told Kenney she did not want to watch more football. As the fight escalated, Roure urged their 12-year-old son to run to a neighbor’s house and call 911. The boy heard a single gunshot while fleeing. First responders found Roure in the living room with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. The 13-year-old daughter was found in her bedroom with two gunshot wounds to the shoulder and face; medical staff described her recovery as remarkable, noting the bullet avoided major organs and she was expected to recover. The 1-year-old was asleep and unharmed.
“My sister died a hero for protecting her children,” Roure’s sister, Stephanie, told reporters, describing Crystal’s actions in getting her nephew out to make the 911 call. The children are now in grandparents’ care.
After the shooting
After the shooting, Kenney left in his truck, called family in upstate New York and said he had “done something really bad and he was not going to jail,” according to relatives. He then drove to his deceased father’s home in Lake Wales, entered a shed, and — when officers arrived and ordered him out — a single gunshot was heard. Kenney was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted wound. Authorities characterized the sequence as a domestic violence homicide followed by an apparent suicide.
History, warning signs and family statements
Investigators recovered an undated letter Roure had written to Kenney warning, “You’re drinking, you’re using cocaine again. This is not the way a family should be. You need God.” Family members told officers Kenney had been abusing Roure “for a while,” though Polk County records show no prior domestic-violence reports involving the couple and Kenney had no criminal history. Relatives say they had tried to address his drinking and possible drug use before the tragedy.
What authorities say and the ongoing investigation
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to examine the timeline, physical evidence, and witness statements to confirm the sequence of events. Officials have not disclosed whether charges would have been filed if Kenney had survived. The sheriff’s office provided an initial statement to the media; subsequent details have been reported by local outlets including 97.3 The Game and Fox News.
Community reaction and support efforts
Neighbors and relatives expressed shock and sorrow. Local community members organized support for the children and the grandparents now caring for them. Coverage emphasized Roure’s bravery and highlighted the need for better support for domestic-violence survivors and early intervention when warning signs appear.
Understanding the warning signs
Domestic violence experts note common predictors: substance abuse, threats, controlling behavior, and isolation. The absence of prior police reports does not mean abuse was not present—many victims are unable or unwilling to call law enforcement before violence escalates. Roure’s undated letter and family statements underscore how warning signs may be missed.
Implications for Redding, California
Though the shooting occurred in Highland City, the tragedy has local relevance for communities like Redding. It highlights economic and social costs to local services, the importance of law enforcement and mental-health coordination, and the role of faith groups and nonprofits in spotting at-risk families and offering support.
Resources and action steps
If you or someone you know is in danger, call 911. For non-emergency assistance, contact local domestic violence programs, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Local law enforcement and community groups can refer families to counseling, shelter, and legal aid. This case is a reminder to recognize warning signs and act early to protect loved ones.
Sources
- Fox News — “Mom killed shielding kids after husband erupts in rage over NFL game, police”
- 97.3 The Game / iHeartRadio — “Heroic act of wife killed by husband during NFL game rage revealed”
- Polk County Sheriff’s Office statement and family interviews as reported by the above outlets.
