by Polk County, Florida — A family argument over a Monday night NFL game spiraled into deadly violence this week, leaving a mother dead, a teenage girl wounded, and a household shattered just days before Christmas, according to authorities in central Florida.
Sheriff officials say the violence unfolded inside a family home after alcohol-fueled tensions escalated, ultimately ending with a murder-suicide that stunned even veteran investigators.
Argument Over NFL Game Turned Deadly
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Jason Kenney, 47, shot and killed his wife, Crystal Kenney, on December 22, following an argument that began while the couple was watching a Monday night NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Indianapolis Colts.
Sheriff Grady Judd said Crystal suggested her husband turn off the football game, which reportedly enraged him. Authorities said Jason Kenney had been drinking alcohol, and the disagreement escalated rapidly.
As the argument intensified, Crystal reportedly told her 12-year-old son to call 911, fearing for her safety.
Gunfire Erupts Inside the Home
Before emergency help could arrive, gunshots rang out inside the residence. The boy fled to a neighbor’s home after hearing the shots, sheriff’s officials said.
Responding deputies found Crystal Kenney dead at the scene. A 13-year-old girl, Crystal’s daughter from a previous relationship, had also been shot, suffering injuries to her shoulder and face. She was rushed to a hospital and is expected to survive.
“She said, ‘I begged him, don’t shoot me, don’t shoot me, don’t shoot me, and he shot me anyway,’” Sheriff Judd said, recounting what the injured teen told investigators.
The 12-year-old boy was not physically harmed, and deputies also found the couple’s 1-year-old daughter asleep in her crib, unharmed, at the time officers arrived.
Suspect Flees, Makes Final Call
After the shooting, Jason Kenney fled the home, according to investigators. Sheriff Judd said Kenney called his sister, who lives in upstate New York, and told her he had “done something wrong” and that it would be the last time they spoke.
Kenney then drove to his father’s property. Deputies later located him there, hiding inside a shed.
As officers attempted to persuade him to surrender, Kenney fatally shot himself, Judd said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Troubling Note Found During Search
While processing the family’s home, investigators discovered a handwritten note from Crystal Kenney urging her husband to seek help.
According to Sheriff Judd, the note read in part:
“You’re drinking, you’re using cocaine again. This is not the way the family should be. You need God.”
Authorities said the note highlighted ongoing struggles with substance abuse and growing concern within the household prior to the shooting.
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Children Now in Grandparents’ Care
Following the deaths, officials confirmed that the surviving children have been placed in the custody of grandparents. Victim advocates are assisting family members as they navigate the aftermath of the tragedy.
Sheriff Judd said the scene left a deep impact on investigators.
“The entire family was destroyed,” he said. “Our homicide detectives are distraught. When you go in there, there is a beautiful Christmas tree with lots of Christmas presents under it, just like the nuclear family should be.”
Domestic Violence Risks Highlighted
The sheriff used the case to underscore the dangers of domestic violence and substance abuse, especially during emotionally charged periods like the holidays.
Authorities say the incident is a stark reminder that domestic disputes can escalate quickly when combined with alcohol, drugs, and firearms — often with irreversible consequences.
Investigators confirmed that the case remains closed following the suspect’s death, though victim services and child welfare support will continue for the affected family.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or substance abuse concerns, help is available through local resources and national hotlines.
What steps do you think could help prevent domestic disputes from turning deadly, especially during the holidays? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
