Short Description
In a tragic escalation of a domestic dispute over an NFL game, a Florida man fatally shot his wife and grievously injured his stepdaughter before taking his own life.
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3 minutes and 12 seconds
Main Article
In a shocking incident that has drawn nationwide attention, a Florida man, Jason Kenney, engaged in a fatal dispute over a Monday Night Football game, leading to a tragic domestic violence scenario. This tragic event unfolded in Polk County, where alcohol-fueled arguments escalated into violence, showcasing the dire consequences of substance abuse within families.
During the altercation, Jason Kenney, 47, became enraged when his wife, Crystal Kenney, requested he turn off the broadcast of the San Francisco 49ers against the Indianapolis Colts. The situation spiraled after Crystal asked her 12-year-old son to call 911, prompting the boy to flee to a neighbor’s house. Soon thereafter, gunshots echoed, leading to law enforcement arriving at the scene.
When deputies arrived at their Lakeland home, they found Crystal fatally wounded and her 13-year-old daughter suffering from critical gunshot wounds. This act of violence highlights disturbing trends in domestic disputes, particularly those exacerbated by alcohol consumption. Authorities shared that the teenage girl, who had begged for her life during the ordeal, survived after being rushed to a hospital.
Key factors contributing to this tragedy included Jason’s history of alcohol and substance abuse, as well as a noted history of domestic violence, although previous incidents had not been reported to law enforcement. Investigators later discovered a handwritten note from Crystal urging her husband to seek help for his problems, a poignant reminder that addiction often goes untreated until it leads to devastating outcomes.
Tragically, after the shooting, Kenney contacted a relative, expressing guilt and suggesting he had “done something bad.” Authorities later located him at his deceased father’s home, where he took his own life as police attempted negotiation. This heart-wrenching event emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing domestic abuse and the implications of untreated addiction.
The surviving children, including Crystal and Jason’s younger son and infant daughter, are now in the care of their grandparents, while the community mourns the loss and reckons with the lessons that should be learned from this tragedy. Sheriff Grady Judd aptly characterized the surviving teenager’s fate as a “Christmas miracle,” highlighting the resilience of children amidst violence.
Short Summary
In summary, the tragic case of Jason Kenney underscores the severe implications of domestic violence and addiction, culminating in a fatal confrontation. With the surviving children now in safe hands, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective support systems for families dealing with substance abuse issues.

