Tragedy struck early Saturday morning in United States as 25-year old Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher shot and killed his 22-year-old girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins. After the shooting, Belcher drove to a location near the team's main campus and took his own life.
The couple had a three-month-old daughter.
The couple was reported to have been involved in a heated argument before the shooting occurred.
Perkins' mother called police after witnessing the incident and told them that her daughter had been shot. Police arrived at the Chiefs' facility only to find Belcher in the parking lot with a gun to his head. As one officer got out of his car, he heard a gunshot. Belcher was later pronounced dead. Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli and head coach Romeo Crennel were among the team employees in the vicinity.
Chiefs players were asked to assemble at the team's main facility so that they can be informed of all the details.
"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," team Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said in a statement. "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.
"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."
