On December 22, 2025, Jason Kenney allegedly shot and killed his wife Crystal Kenney during an argument over watching Monday Night Football at their home in Lakeland, Florida. He also shot his 13-year-old stepdaughter twice, critically wounding her, before fleeing the scene. After calling his sister to confess, Jason Kenney drove to his deceased father's house and fatally shot himself in a murder-suicide. The 1-year-old biological child was unharmed. Investigators found a note from Crystal accusing Jason of drinking and cocaine use. The stepdaughter told deputies she begged him not to shoot her. Family members reported Jason had been abusing Crystal but no prior domestic violence reports or arrests existed.
Country: United States
State/Province: Florida, United States
City/Region: Lakeland
Incident Type: Murder-Suicide
Relationship Status: Married
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Incident Date: Dec. 22, 2025
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How the relationship or connection began.
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2025-12-22
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Original language: English
Florida man kills wife over Monday Night Football argument, shoots stepdaughter, officials say
Domestic Violence
The incident reflects a domestic violence pattern culminating in a murder-suicide triggered by a personal conflict over watching a football game. The offender exhibited escalating violence and control, including substance abuse and prior abuse allegations. The presence of children and a note referencing substance use indicate complex family stressors contributing to the fatal outcome.
Police responded within five minutes after the 12-year-old stepson called 911. Investigators found a note from the victim referencing the offender's drinking and cocaine use. The offender fled, confessed to his sister, and committed suicide at his deceased father's property. The stepdaughter survived and provided eyewitness testimony. No prior domestic violence arrests or calls were reported. The case is closed with the offender deceased.
Uncertainty exists about when the victim's note was written and the exact timeline of the argument. The offender's confession to his sister and subsequent suicide clarified suspect identity. No confusion reported regarding victim or suspect identities.
Jason Kenney was watching a football game in a shed and wanted to watch it in the living room. An argument with his wife Crystal Kenney ensued when she refused. The 12-year-old stepson was sent to call 911 and heard a gunshot as he left. Deputies found Crystal shot dead and the 13-year-old stepdaughter critically wounded. Jason fled, called his sister confessing, then drove to his deceased father's house and fatally shot himself. The 1-year-old biological child was unharmed in a crib. Investigators found a note from Crystal about Jason's substance abuse. The stepdaughter's testimony confirmed the shooting.
High risk due to prior abuse allegations, substance use, escalation to lethal violence, and presence of children during the incident.
Domestic violence can escalate rapidly to lethal outcomes even without prior arrests. Substance abuse and family stressors increase risk. Presence of children during violent incidents adds complexity and trauma. Early intervention and reporting of abuse are critical. Confessions and suicide by offenders may close investigations but leave unresolved trauma for survivors.
Reported prior abuse allegations and substance use were key early signals. The victim's note referencing drug and alcohol use also indicated risk.
The victim's note, the 12-year-old stepson's 911 call and hearing gunshots, and the stepdaughter's eyewitness account were crucial clues.
Physical evidence included gunshot wounds, the victim's note, and the offender's suicide at a secondary location. Eyewitness testimony from the stepdaughter and stepson was strong.
The 12-year-old stepson reported fleeing to a neighbor to call 911 and hearing a gunshot. The 13-year-old stepdaughter told deputies she begged the offender not to shoot her. Family members reported prior abuse allegations. Sheriff and deputies provided official statements.
No follow-up reports were available beyond the initial investigation and confirmation of the murder-suicide.
Exact timing of the victim's note and details of the argument remain unclear. The offender's mental state and motive beyond the argument are not fully detailed.