Florida Man Kills Wife and Himself After Argument Over ‘Monday Night Football,’ Authorities Say

A Florida man shot and killed his wife, critically wounded his stepdaughter, and then took his own life after an argument over television programming escalated into violence, authorities said.

The incident occurred late Monday night in Lakeland, Florida, following an argument between Jason Kenney, 47, and his wife, Crystal Kenney, 38, while he was watching “Monday Night Football.” According to investigators, the dispute began when Crystal Kenney asked to change the channel.

Argument Escalates Into Deadly Violence

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said Kenney had been drinking during the evening when the argument intensified. Authorities said Crystal Kenney instructed her 12-year-old son to flee the home and seek help from a neighbor. As the child left, he reportedly heard a gunshot.

Deputies responding to the home found Crystal Kenney dead and her 13-year-old daughter suffering from gunshot wounds. A baby girl was also inside the home and was found unharmed. Officials said the teenager, who was shot twice, is expected to survive and was able to speak with investigators.

Suspect Flees, Then Takes His Own Life

Authorities said Jason Kenney fled the scene and contacted a family member, telling her he had done “something very bad” and would not go to jail. Deputies later tracked him to a property previously owned by his late father.

While approaching the location, deputies heard a gunshot coming from a shed on the property. Kenney was found dead inside, authorities said.

Sheriff Grady Judd said investigators later located an undated handwritten note from Crystal Kenney expressing concerns about her husband’s substance use and urging him to seek help. Officials said they could not determine when the note was written.

Prior Domestic Abuse Allegations

Family members told investigators that Crystal Kenney had been a victim of domestic violence, though authorities said there were no prior police reports documenting such incidents.

The case has drawn renewed attention to the dangers of domestic violence and the role of substance abuse in escalating household disputes. National data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows intimate partner violence remains a leading cause of homicide for women in the United States.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review evidence and provide support services to surviving family members.