Perkins family: 'Hearts are broken'

NORTH TEXAS (AP/KXAN) - The family of a 22-year-old native Texan shot and killed by boyfriend and Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher has released a statement Monday.

“On behalf of the Perkins Family, we appreciate the outpouring of love and concern for our Kassandra 'Kasi' Perkins. Our hearts are truly broken for Kasi was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, mother, cousin and friend. At this time we request the media respect our privacy during this difficult time as we grieve for our loved one. Please keep us in your hearts and prayers as well as the Belcher family for two lives were loss. Again we thank you for your support, our wish is for Kasi to be remembered for the love she shared with us all. Kasi will be truly missed!

The Perkins Family"

A memorial page on Facebook was created Saturday. It displays a cover photo that reads in large letters "We Miss You," and the description reads " Sadly, this Beautiful womans life was taken. Prayers go out to her and her family, and to her 3-month old baby girl. RIP Kasandra Michelle Perkins."

People were coming and going Sunday from a house where a day before Belcher shot and killed Perkins before committing suicide in front of his coach and general manager.

Police did not release any additional information Sunday about the murder-suicide. Belcher shot Perkins multiple times Saturday morning before driving about five miles to Arrowhead Stadium, thanking general manager Scott Pioli and coach Romeo Crennel for all they'd done for him. Belcher then fatally shot himself in the practice facility's parking lot.

Belcher and Perkins had a 3-month-old daughter.

Her family said she went to elementary school in Garland and lived there before moving to Austin. She graduated from Anderson High School in 2009.
 
According to NBC-affiliated sister station KXAS, several of Perkins family members still live in North Texas. Her grandmother lives in Greenville, and her aunt and sister live in Blue Ridge. Her death is a tragedy that hits close to home.

"You hear about things going on in the professional sports world, but to actually have it hit so close to home, it's just definitely something that gives you pause," Celeste Johnson said.

Johnson owns an Arlington business with Michelle Honeycutt. The women are professional athlete's wives and hosted an event on Saturday to raise awareness for domestic abuse. Neither of the women knew Perkins; however, both said their hearts go out to the victim. 

"It hits so close to home, and it deeply saddens me." Honeycutt said. "And it makes you feel like that could be me. That could be me. That could be my best friend. That could be someone else I know."

In a family statement, Perkin's aunt said, "Our family has suffered a tragic loss. My heart goes out to my family as well as his family."

On her Facebook page, there are numerous pictures of Perkins with Belcher and their child.