An argument over an NFL game turned deadly in the United States this week, after a Florida man shot and killed his wife, seriously injured his stepdaughter, and later took his own life.
The case has drawn international attention due to its disturbing mix of domestic violence, substance abuse, and the role of alcohol-fuelled conflict.
While the incident happened in the US, the story has resonated strongly with UK readers amid ongoing conversations around family safety, alcohol misuse, and warning signs of domestic abuse.
What happened in the Florida NFL argument that turned violent?
According to Polk County authorities in Florida, 47-year-old Jason Kenney killed his wife, Crystal Kenney, on 22 December 2024, following an argument linked to a televised NFL match.
Sheriff Grady Judd confirmed the dispute began after Crystal asked her husband to turn off the San Francisco 49ers vs Indianapolis Colts game. Kenney had reportedly been drinking alcohol at the time.
The argument escalated rapidly. Crystal told her 12-year-old son to call emergency services, but the child fled to a neighbour’s home after hearing gunshots.
When police arrived, they found:
- Crystal Kenney is dead at the scene
- A 13-year-old girl (Kenney’s stepdaughter) was shot in the shoulder and face
- A 1-year-old child is unharmed and asleep in her cot
The injured teenager is currently recovering in the hospital and is expected to survive.
What did the police say about the incident?
Speaking at a press conference, Sheriff Grady Judd described the events as devastating and preventable.
“She said, ‘I begged him, don’t shoot me, don’t shoot me, don’t shoot me, and he shot me anyway,’” Sheriff Grady Judd, Polk County
Authorities said Kenney fled the scene after the shooting and later contacted his sister in New York, telling her he had done “something wrong” and that it would be the last time they spoke.
Police later located him at his father’s property. As officers attempted to negotiate his surrender, Kenney fatally shot himself inside a shed.
Was alcohol or substance misuse involved?
Yes. Sheriff Judd confirmed that Jason Kenney had been drinking heavily before the argument. During a search of the family home, officers also found a handwritten note from Crystal Kenney urging her husband to seek help.
“You’re drinking, you’re using cocaine again. This is not the way the family should be. You need God,” Note written by Crystal Kenney (as read by police)
The note suggests ongoing struggles with substance misuse, a factor often linked to increased domestic violence risk both in the US and the UK.
What happened to the surviving children?
The surviving children, including the injured teenager, the 12-year-old boy, and the 1-year-old baby, are now in the care of their grandparents.
Sheriff Judd described the emotional toll on officers attending the scene, particularly given the time of year.
“When you walk into a home with a Christmas tree and presents underneath, and the family has been destroyed, it stays with you,” he said.
Why is this case relevant to a UK audience?
Although the shooting occurred in Florida, UK charities and police have repeatedly warned that domestic violence often escalates during festive periods, especially where alcohol misuse is involved.
In England and Wales:
- Police typically record a 20–30% rise in domestic abuse call-outs over Christmas and New Year
- Alcohol is a contributing factor in a significant proportion of serious domestic assaults
- Arguments over everyday issues, including television, money, or sport, are common triggers
The case highlights how quickly a domestic argument can spiral when warning signs are ignored.
