Jovan Belcher’s Family Releases Statement Following Murder-Suicide

Jovan Belcher murdered girlfriend Kasandra Perkins on Saturday and then killed himself in front of his Kansas City Chief coach and general manager. Now for the first time, Belcher’s family is speaking about the tragedy that rocked the NFL and left a newborn baby without her parents.

In a statement released to TMZ, the family writes:

“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.”

Jovan Belcher appeared to show at least some remorse for his actions. While talking to his former coach and general manager, he thanked them for their leadership before turning the gun on himself in the parking lot of the team’s facilities.

A former friend of Belcher blames his tragic actions on head injury sustained during his playing time in the NFL as well as substance abuse.