Jovan Belcher, Girlfriend Kasandra M. Perkins Dead: Families of Deceased Speak Out for First Time Following Tragic NFL Murder-Suicide [VIDEOS]
Following the tragic murder-suicide involving Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher and his girlfriend Kasandra M. Perkins on Saturday (Dec. 1), the families of the deceased finally spoke out in emotional public statements released on Monday, Dec. 3. Read on for full coverage of the touching and heartbreaking statements from both Belcher and Perkins family representatives.
Belcher's Aunt Mary Kimble stood outside of the home the late NFL star shared with the wife of his three-month old daughter alongside Belcher's sister and uncle on Monday. Kimble remembers Belcher as a man who embraced life and excelled in anything he put his mind to - she continue her emotional statement with:
"As a family, no words can express the loss we feel of Jovan and Kasandra. The impact that this inconceivable tragedy has had on our hearts is immeasurable. Jovan was our son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson and friend and we will miss him and Kasandra daily. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Perkins family as well as they mourn. We love Jovan. His kindness, humility, respect, and gratitude for family and friends was steadfast.
Jovan was overjoyed when Kasandra gave birth to their daughter. He was happy to be a new father and both he and Kasandra loved her dearly. The 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 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."
The three family members did not answer any further questions. Belcher's mother Cheryl Shepherd was not present, but plans on raising her granddaughter in the Long Island home where Belcher grew up.
Belcher's cousin Yamiesse Lawrence and niece Quaresha Boston also expressed similar sympathies and sadness in a statement made in Kansas City, MO.
The Perkins also recently released a written public statement, insisting that they hope their 22-year-old daughter will be remembered in love and happiness:
"On behalf of the Perkins family, we appreciate the outpouring of love and concern for our Kasandra 'Kasi' Perkins. Our hearts are truly broken for Kasi was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, mother, cousin and friend. At this time, we request the media respect our privacy during this difficult time as we grieve for our loved one. Please keep us in your hearts and prayers as well as the Belcher family for two lives were lost. Again, we thank you for your support. Our wish is for Kasi to be remembered for the love she shared with us all. Kasi will be truly missed."
Perkins was a cousin of Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles' wife, Whitney. The couple also released a statement reading:
"Our family has suffered a personal tragic loss. Kasandra Perkins was in fact first cousin to my wife, Whitney. As this is a very tough time for our family, I ask that we are respected as we grieve. Kasandra was not only family, but a friend and a loving mother. As my actual family and my Kansas City Chiefs family have been altered forever, we ask that you keep us, and most importantly, their child in prayer."
Belcher's agent Joe Linta also expressed his shock and dismay over the unexpected tragedy - “It’s an unspeakable tragedy. I’m numb. I’m in shock. That’s the best way I can tell you. I feel for everyone involved. His girlfriend’s family, his family. It’s unspeakable.”
For more information on the NFL shooting murder-suicide, click here.