A family in Florida was torn apart in a shocking act of domestic violence that erupted from an argument over an American football game, with the perpetrator posting ominous social media messages just hours before the attack.
A Deadly Dispute Over Monday Night Football
The horrific incident occurred on December 22 in Polk County. According to Sheriff Grady Judd, 47-year-old Jason Kenney had been drinking while watching the San Francisco 49ers versus Indianapolis Colts game in a shed behind the family home. He returned inside for the final minutes of the broadcast, where a confrontation with his wife, Crystal Kenney, over control of the television suddenly escalated into violence.
The argument led Jason Kenney to fatally shoot his wife. He also shot his 13-year-old stepdaughter in the face before fleeing the scene. The manhunt ended when he later turned the gun on himself. The couple had been married for just over two years.
Chilling Social Media Posts Preceded the Violence
In the hours leading up to the murder-suicide, Jason Kenney's social media activity painted a disturbing picture. At 4.22pm, he posted a jovial meme of elderly people dancing with the caption: 'Mood knowing the 49ers play tonight.'
Even more foreboding was a post made earlier that day at 1.54pm. He tagged his wife with a love heart emoji in response to a video carrying a sinister caption: 'Satan wants your wife. I always tell men if they don't lead their family, Satan will.'
Authorities also highlighted an ominous 'game day' photo uploaded earlier in the year, in which children's toys and equipment were seen lying in the background of the Kennedy household.
A Tragic Case of Domestic Violence
This tragedy underscores the sudden and devastating potential for domestic violence to escalate, often triggered by seemingly mundane disputes. The case has drawn attention to the sometimes cryptic warning signs that can appear on social media prior to such acts.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office continues its investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the deaths. The 13-year-old stepdaughter survived the shooting and is receiving medical care.
