FLORIDA – A domestic dispute in the US state of Florida ended in tragedy after an argument over watching a football game on television left a woman dead, her teenage daughter critically injured, and the husband later taking his own life.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said that 47-year-old Jason Kenney shot and killed his wife Crystal Kenney and also opened fire on their 13-year-old daughter.
The incident occurred on Monday night when Jason Kenney, who was reportedly intoxicated, was watching an NFL game and an argument broke out inside the home over control of the television.
Authorities said as the dispute escalated, Crystal Kenney asked her 12-year-old son to go to a neighbour’s house and call 911. The child managed to leave the house, but gunshots were heard shortly afterwards.
When police arrived at the scene, Crystal Kenney was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head. Her 13-year-old daughter had sustained gunshot injuries to the shoulder and face. The injured girl told investigators that she repeatedly pleaded with the attacker not to shoot, but he continued firing. Doctors said the girl remains in critical but stable condition and is conscious.
At the time of the incident, a one-year-old girl was also present in the house. She remained unharmed and was found sleeping safely in her crib.
Following the shooting, Jason Kenney fled the scene and later locked himself inside a shed at his father’s home. Shortly after police arrived, a gunshot was heard, and Kenney was found dead. Authorities confirmed he died by suicide.
Police also recovered a handwritten note from the home, written by the victim to her husband, in which she had urged him to give up alcohol and drugs and seek treatment.
After the incident, all three children were placed in the custody of their maternal grandparents. Sheriff Judd said the tragedy was deeply distressing for everyone involved, including law enforcement officers, especially as it occurred just days before Christmas.
