Two days after Jovan Belcher murdered his girlfriend and took his own life, the family of this Kansas City Chiefs linebacker has released a statement.
"As a family, no words can express the sorrow we feel over the loss of Jovan and Kasandra," they said, referring to Kasandra Perkins, Belcher's victim and girlfriend at the time of her death.
"The impact that this inconceivable tragedy has had on our heart is immeasurable; we are overwhelmed with both sadness and confusion."
With the Kansas City organization in mourning, Bob Costas created a stir last night when he stated on NBC that a lack of gun control was to blame for this horrific incident.
It's a sad, confusing time for all close to the situation and our thoughts are with them.
Scroll down to read the rest of this family statement.
"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."