Polk County Man Kills Wife During Football Argument, Shoots Stepdaughter Before Dying by Suicide
A Polk County man fatally shot his wife during a football argument, wounded his stepdaughter, and later died by suicide, authorities say.
A tragic domestic violence incident in Polk County, Florida, has left one woman dead, a teenage girl injured, and an entire family shattered just days before Christmas, according to authorities.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said 47-year-old Jason Kenney of Highland City shot and killed his wife, Crystal Kenney, during a heated argument over a football game late Monday night, December 22. Kenney had reportedly been drinking in a shed while watching a Monday Night Football game featuring the San Francisco 49ers before entering the family’s home around 11:00 p.m.
Sheriff Judd explained that Kenney demanded to continue watching the game in the living room, where Crystal was present. When she objected, the argument escalated. Crystal instructed her 12-year-old son to call 911, and the child fled the home unharmed. Deputies later found Crystal dead from a single gunshot wound.
After killing his wife, Kenney shot his 13-year-old stepdaughter twice—once in the shoulder and once in the face. Authorities said the facial gunshot deflected off the bridge of her nose and exited through the top of her head, sparing her life. The girl reportedly begged Kenney not to shoot her. She was rushed to surgery and is expected to recover.
The couple’s 1-year-old daughter remained asleep in her crib throughout the violence and was not physically harmed. Deputies also discovered a handwritten note from Crystal in which she expressed concerns about Kenney’s drinking, cocaine use, and his need for spiritual help.
Kenney fled the scene in his truck and drove to his late father’s home in Lake Wales, calling his sister during the drive and telling her he had “done something really bad” and would not go to jail. When deputies located him and ordered him out of a shed, they heard a gunshot. Kenney was found dead inside from a self-inflicted head wound.
Sheriff Judd noted there were no prior law enforcement calls to the residence, despite neighbors later reporting a history of abusive behavior. Kenney had no known criminal record.
“This is horrific,” Judd said. “But destroying a family and the mental health of these children so close to Christmas is especially horrific. We will do everything we can to help this family get through this difficult time.”
