On December 22, 2025, Crystal Kenney was fatally shot by her husband, Jason Kenney, 47, during an argument over the TV in their Polk County, Florida home; he later died by suicide. Their 13-year-old daughter survived two gunshot wounds (shoulder and face, with the facial bullet exiting the top of her head) and is now in critical but stable condition, alert and speaking.
Incident Timeline
The dispute escalated around midnight while Jason watched Monday Night Football. Crystal told their 12-year-old son to flee next door and call 911, after which he heard a gunshot as he left. Deputies arrived within five minutes, found Crystal dead from a head wound, and discovered the 13-year-old injured in a bedroom; their infant daughter was unharmed.
Aftermath and Investigation
Jason fled to his late father’s property, barricaded himself in a shed, confessed to his sister over the phone that he’d done “something very, very bad,” and fatally shot himself as deputies approached. Sheriff Grady Judd called the girl’s survival a “Christmas miracle” after speaking with her—she begged her stepfather not to kill her, but he shot anyway. The three children are now with maternal grandparents.
Family Context
No prior incidents were reported between Crystal and Jason. The sheriff praised the 12-year-old’s quick action in calling 911, which likely saved lives. Polk County Sheriff’s Office provided full details at a December 23 press conference.
