In a breaking news out of the NFL today, it was reported that Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher shot and killed his girlfriend on Saturday. The NFL player, in his 4th season with Kansas City, then drove himself to the team’s arena, Arrowhead Stadium, where he committed suicide in front of the Chief’s coach, Romeo Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli.
So far the motive behind the shooting are not clear, but it appears from Belcher’s comments to Crennel and Pioli, just before taking his life, that he was remorseful. According to reports from the AP and other source, Javon Belcher thanked both of his mentors for all that they had done for him, just prior to taking his own life.
The police reported that Javon Belcher, age 25, fatally shot his 22-year-old girlfriend, and mother of their 3-month-old girl, Kasandra M. Perkins. The two had apparently been seen arguing recently, but the issues are not clear. Fortunately, their infant daughter was in the care of family relatives at the time of the shooting.
Police reported a 911 call on Saturday morning from a woman saying that her daughter had been shot multiple times. The caller was Belcher’s mother, making reference to Perkins as her daughter because of her relationship with Belcher.
According to reports, Belcher stood, with a gun to his head, talking with Pioli and Crennel. He reportedly was thanking them for everything they’d done for him and then when he walked away and shot himself.
In a statement, the Kansas City Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said, “The entire Chiefs family is deeply saddened by today’s events, and our collective hearts are heavy with sympathy, thoughts and prayers for the families and friends affected by this unthinkable tragedy.”
“We sincerely appreciate the expressions of sympathy and support we have received from so many in the Kansas City and NFL communities, and ask for continued prayers for the loved ones of those impacted,” he continued. “We will continue to fully cooperate with the authorities and work to ensure that the appropriate counseling resources are available to all members of the organization.”
The chiefs are currently scheduled to play at home in Arrowhead against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Currently, the team plans to go on with the game as scheduled.