Kasandra Perkins’ Family Asks For Privacy And For Prayers For Belcher Family

The family of Kasandra Perkins, the young woman who was shot and killed by Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher just before Belcher shot and killed himself, released its first public statement about the murder-suicide. Rather than just harnessing hatred for Belcher and his family, Kasandra’s relatives have made a specific point of asking that people support Belcher’s family as well.

According to NBC News, the Perkins family released a statement to the media asking for privacy as they deal with the tragic loss of Kasandra, who just gave birth to a baby girl three months ago. The Perkins family also stated that the Belcher family is also grieving.

The statement said:

“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!”

Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles, whose wife is a member of the Perkins family, released his own statement in his first public comments about the incident.

In his statement, Charles said:

“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. Thank you all for your continued support.”