Heartbreaking Tragedy: Sister of Lakeland Mother Murdered, Visits Niece Battling for Life in ICU

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In a tragic incident that has left a family shattered and a community in disbelief, a domestic argument over television channels escalated into a horrific murder-suicide in Polk County, Florida. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reports that 47-year-old Jason Kenney fatally shot his wife, Crystal, and seriously injured his 13-year-old stepdaughter before taking his own life on Monday night.

Relatives of Crystal Kenney are struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss. Her sister, Stephanie Rourie, expressed her sorrow and determination to preserve her sister’s memory for her children. “I would tell my sister that I’m sorry that this happened to you. You didn’t deserve this,” Rourie shared, adding, “Her babies will never not know the type of mother she was. The love and the strength she had for them. That will never stop.”

The fateful night began with an argument at the Kenney household on Lemon Avenue in Highland City. According to Sheriff Grady Judd, the dispute between Jason and Crystal Kenney erupted around 11 p.m. When Crystal urged her 12-year-old son to dial 911, deputies rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they found Crystal deceased and her teenage stepdaughter suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body.

During a press conference, Sheriff Judd did not mince words about the gravity of the incident. “Quite frankly, I don’t want to sound sinister, but the only right thing he did all night was shoot and kill himself,” Judd remarked. He lamented the tragic outcome, noting that help was available and that a different choice could have been made.

Jason Kenney, who had no history of domestic abuse or prior arrests, fled the scene of the crime before barricading himself in a shed in Lake Wales and ending his own life.

“This man took this beautiful soul away from this family. We can’t get that back. I really need to stress that we didn’t know,” said Sandra Bartlett, the victim’s sister-in-law.

The 13-year-old girl is expected to survive. A 12-year-old boy, Crystal Kenney’s son, fled the scene to call 911 and was unharmed. A 1-year-old child was found inside the home with no injuries.

The children are currently staying with grandparents.

“What happened to him over time to make him turn this way is beyond me. Nobody will ever be able to give me that answer anymore,” Rourie said.

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Heartbreaking Tragedy: Sister of Lakeland Mother Murdered, Visits Niece Battling for Life in ICU

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Heartbreaking Tragedy: Sister of Lakeland Mother Murdered, Visits Niece Battling for Life in ICU

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