Jovan Belcher’s Family Speaks Out + What Happened Moments After Kasandra Perkins’ Murder

Jovan Belcher, Kasandra Perksin after giving birth to daughter.

The family of Jovan Belcher has released a statement about the tragic deaths of Belcher and his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins. Saturday morning, Belcher fatally shot Perkins at their home (she was shot nine times). Police confirmed that both guns were legally registered., and then shot himself at the Arrowhead practice facility in Kansas City. The couple reportedly got into an argument after Kasandra returned home late from a Trey Songz concert.

The Kansas City Star reports that

Seconds after fatally shooting his longtime girlfriend, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher leaned over her in their master bathroom, said he was sorry and kissed her on the forehead. His mother, who heard gunfire as she stood in the kitchen, rushed to her son’s bedroom and watched his remorseful goodbye. Belcher apologized to his mother, kissed his 3-month-old daughter and fled his rented home in the 5400 block of Crysler Avenue in his Bentley.

Other reports suggest arguments over their relationship and financial issues had simmered for months between them.Fast-forward to the present day, and Belcher’s family say that they are clueless as to why he would have snapped. The family released the following statement:

“As a family, no words can express the sorrow we feel over the loss of Jovan and Kasandra. The impact that this inconceivable tragedy has had on our heart is immeasurable; we are overwhelmed with both sadness and confusion. Jovan was our son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend and we will miss him and Kasandra dearly.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Perkins family as they mourn. We loved Jovan.  His kindness, humility, respect and gratitude for family and friends were steadfast.  The man we know and loved for 25 years embraced life and excelled at all he put his energy behind.  Jovan was overjoyed when Kasandra gave birth to their daughter, Zoey. He was happy to be a new father both he and Kasandra loved Zoey greatly.  The immense outpouring of sympathy and support from Jovan’s friends, teammates, coaches and fans have been a reflection of the impact he had on so many people.  Like them, we will cherish the wonderful memories we have of Jovan and we pray that those memories will bring us peace as we grapple to understand the unpredictable and tragic ending of his life and the life of Kasandra Perkins. As we attempt to grieve in the aftermath of this tremendous loss we ask that you please respect our privacy in doing so.  Only GOD can mend our hearts.”

Meanwhile, other sources report that Jovan was intoxicated at the time of the incident, and was over another woman’s home, while Kasandra was at the Trey Songz concert. Reportedly, Jovan and Kasandra were receiving counseling from the Chiefs. Jovan and Kasandra leave behind a 2-month-old daughter, named Zoey. [TMZ, Kansas City Star]

–Patrice M.