Highland City mother hailed as hero after husband opens fire over NFL game in apparent Highland City murder-suicide
A Highland City mother, Crystal Roure, 38, was shot dead shielding her children during an argument that escalated into a murder‑suicide Dec. 22; her husband later killed himself after also wounding their teenage daughter, and community members are mourning.
Key takeaways
- Heroic protection: Crystal Roure was fatally shot while shielding her children during the attack.
- Suspect died by suicide: Husband Jason Kenney, 47, later died by a self‑inflicted gunshot after leaving the scene.
- Children affected: A 13‑year‑old daughter was wounded and is hospitalized; a 12‑year‑old son fled to a neighbor and called 911; a 1‑year‑old infant was unharmed.
- Context cited: Investigators say the dispute began after Kenney, who had been drinking while watching the game, entered the house and an argument escalated.
Shooting and timeline
When: Around 11 p.m. on Dec. 22, Polk County investigators say Jason Kenney returned inside the family home after watching the San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts game in a shed on the property. Roure refused to watch the rest of the game and a verbal dispute turned physical.
What happened: As the fight intensified, Roure ordered her 12‑year‑old son to run to a neighbor’s house and call 911. The boy reported hearing a single gunshot while fleeing. Deputies later found Roure dead from a gunshot wound to the head in the living room. The 13‑year‑old daughter was found shot twice — in the shoulder and face — but alive in her bed. A 1‑year‑old baby was asleep and unharmed in a crib.
After leaving the residence, Kenney called a family member and said, “I did something really bad,” adding he “was not going to jail.” He drove to his late father’s home in Lake Wales, entered a shed there and died by a self‑inflicted gunshot after deputies called out to him; officers reported hearing the final gunshot.
“I did something really bad,” Kenney told a family member before taking his own life, investigators said.
Victims and injuries
Victim: Crystal Roure, 38, was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head inside the Highland City home.
Children: The 13‑year‑old daughter was shot twice (shoulder and face) and is hospitalized but reported to be recovering. The 12‑year‑old son escaped to a neighbor’s house and called 911. The infant was found unharmed in a crib. Family members have placed the three children in the care of grandparents.
Investigation details and evidence
Polk County deputies compiled the timeline from scene evidence, witness statements and phone records. Investigators recovered an undated note from Roure to Kenney that included: “You’re drinking, you’re using cocaine again. This is not the way a family should be. You need God.” Family members shared the note with investigators.
Relatives told law enforcement Kenney had been abusive “for a while,” though deputies said there were no prior domestic‑violence calls or criminal history on file for him. Authorities noted a Christmas tree with presents inside the home; Sheriff Grady Judd described the scene as the destruction of a “nuclear family.”
Media and public records include entries that aggregate reporting and memorialize victims — for example, a Gun Memorial entry lists Crystal Roure Kenney with links and photographs.
Family response and community reaction
Family: Roure’s sister, Stephanie Roure, described Crystal as a hero who died protecting her children. Family members say Kenney’s drinking increased after marriage and that he promised to seek help but did not follow through. The children are with grandparents while the community arranges support.
Community: Neighbors and local groups have expressed shock and grief. Investigative briefings and local reporting have highlighted Roure’s actions in ordering her son to flee and shielding the children during the attack.
Why investigators say this case matters
The killing occurred three days before Christmas inside a family home with small children present. Authorities and relatives point to alcohol, alleged drug use and longstanding domestic strain that escalated from an argument into lethal violence. Sheriff Judd’s description of the scene as the destruction of a “nuclear family” underscores how quickly domestic disputes can become catastrophic.
Implications for Walla Walla, Washington
Economic impact
Tragic family events increase short‑term demand on social services and charities. Local nonprofits, faith groups and community organizations in Walla Walla may see requests for foster care, counseling and emergency financial aid. Practical step: coordinated local donor efforts and civic groups can fund emergency support without expanding government programs.
Political consequences
The case is likely to revive local discussions about public safety, domestic‑violence resources and firearm responsibility. In conservative communities, conversations often emphasize law‑and‑order responses, family counseling, and accessible mental‑health services while respecting lawful gun ownership. Practical step: elected officials can review gaps with sheriff’s offices and family services to pursue community‑based remedies.
Social effects
Schools, coaches and youth groups should be ready to identify trauma‑exposed children and connect families to resources. Faith‑based counseling and private programs may be preferred by conservative audiences; leaders can promote partnerships that respect privacy while offering help.
Practical applications for residents
- Be vigilant and neighborly: report signs of escalating arguments, substance misuse or pleas for help.
- Support local resources: donate to or volunteer with crisis hotlines, shelters and faith‑based counseling services.
- Promote safe firearm storage: encourage lawful, secure storage in homes with tension or substance concerns.
- Strengthen informal support networks: extended family and community groups can offer early intervention before conflicts escalate.
Sources and further reading
This account is based on the Polk County Sheriff’s Office initial statement and regional reporting aggregated by outlets including Fox News and local sports‑radio and family interviews on KFAN. A memorial entry is available on Gun Memorial, and reporting on the 13‑year‑old’s condition is available via AOL.
Investigative notes
Authorities recovered a note, phone calls and physical evidence that inform the narrative. No criminal charges were pending beyond the suspect’s death; investigators continue to review evidence and interviews. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has provided preliminary public statements and has not released additional investigative findings beyond initial briefings.
