As loved ones gathered to pay their respects to Jovan Belcher, the 25-year-old Kansas City Chiefs linebacker who killed his girlfriend in an apparent murder-suicide, the athlete's family also honored the memory of his slain girlfriend, 22-year-old Kasandra Perkins, reported the New York Daily News.
Belcher fatally shot his girlfriend Perkins and then turned a gun on himself early the morning of Saturday, Dec. 1, committing suicide in front of his coach and general manager at Arrowhead Stadium, local police said.
Belcher reportedly got into a heated argument with Perkins at her Kansas City home around 7 a.m., The Kansas City Star reported. At about 7:50 a.m. Belcher shot Perkins multiple times, says the newspaper.
Police said afterwards, Belcher fled the scene, and drove to the Chiefs' practice facility near Arrowhead Stadium. Belcher reportedly thanked general manager Scott Pioli and coach Romeo Crennel before fatally shooting himself in the parking lot outside the team's practice facility, police spokesman Darin Snapp said.
Police say there is currently no known motive, although did mention that the couple had been arguing a lot lately. The 25-year-old professional football player, and Perkins leave behind a three-month-old daughter, Zoey.
As family and friends memorialized Belcher Wednesday at Upper Room Christian Church in Dix Hills, New York, they struggled to reconcile their loved one's actions that ended two young lives prematurely with the man they had known for so long.
"We may not understand the reasons why we're here, or understand what caused this tragedy," the Rev. Dawn Minton said in her eulogy.
"There are many who have their own thoughts and opinions of what took place. But God is not a God who judges us based on our thoughts or opinions of other people. He looks at what's in your heart from the time of your birth, to the time of your death."
Of the over 300 in attendance, many wore black and red to represent Chiefs colors, and some also wore Belcher's No. 59 jersey.
"If I would have a lifetime wish or a dream come true, I'd pray to GOD with all my heart to change that day and bring back you," Belcher's devastated mother, Cheryl Shepherd, wrote in her son's funeral program.
"A thousand words or questions won't do it, this I know because I've tried. Not even a million tears will do it. I know this because I've cried," Shepherd wrote.
Belcher's service wouldn't just honor the fallen football player, though. His family and friends clearly made an effort to pay respect Perkins as well, emphasizing they would help ensure her and Belcher's three-month-old daughter Zoey had a bright future. At the end of the memorial, a photo slide show played, and the words "In Loving Memory of Kasandra Perkins" appeared on the screen, along with pictures of the couple's 3-month-old daughter, Zoey
"The legacy we pass on to her will be good," said Belcher's uncle, Davin Miles.
Perkins' funeral was held on Dec. 6 in Blue Ridge, Texas. Kansas City Chiefs players were also in attendance, along with loved ones who spoke of her love for life and her daughter.
"She considered her daughter to be the love of her life," said Perkins' great-uncle, Ted Downing.
"She was the quintessential happy person. It's hard to not picture Kasi smiling. She was always laughing. She liked to tease," Downing said. "She's just a happy girl who loved everybody and wanted everybody to love each other."
According to the New York Daily News Belcher's mother has temporary custody of Zoey. Recently the NFL has vowed to support Belcher and Perkins's daughter; she will receive $108,000 a year for her first four years, then $52,000 a year until she is 18 or 23, depending on whether she goes to college.
After a hearse carrying his body drove past his childhood home in West Babylon Belcher was buried at North Babylon Cemetery.
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