Jovan Belcher’s family: We’re praying for Perkins family

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The family of Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher, who shot and killed his girlfriend before killing himself, says they’re having difficulty dealing with the “inconceivable tragedy.”

Police say Belcher killed 22-year-old Kasandra Perkins at their Kansas City home Saturday before driving to Arrowhead Stadium, where he committed suicide in the practice facility’s parking lot.

One of Belcher’s cousins, Yamiesse (yah-MEES’) Lawrence, read a statement outside Belcher’s boyhood home in West Babylon, N.Y., on Monday, saying words can’t express the sorrow the family feels.

Lawrence said the family is “overwhelmed with both sadness and confusion,” and extends thoughts and prayers to the Perkins family.

Belcher’s niece, Quaresha (kwahr-EE’-shuh) Boston, said the football player “embraced life and excelled at all he put his energy behind” and that God alone could “mend our hearts.”