Jovan Belcher's family speaks for first time since murder-suicide

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The family of Jovan Belcher spoke to the media Monday afternoon for the first time since the Chiefs linebacker fatally shot his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, before taking his own life in front of his coaches outside the team’s practice facility.

RELATED | Friend: Belcher, slain GF 'seemed fine' http://tinyurl.com/dxwdrbt

Belcher’s sister and uncle stood alongside his aunt as she spoke outside the home Belcher shared with Perkins, the mother of his 3-month-old daughter.

"As a family, no words can express the loss we feel of Jovan and Kasandra. The impact that this inconceivable tragedy has had on our hearts is immeasurable," Belcher's aunt, Mary Kimble, said.

"Jovan was our son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson and friend and we will miss him and Kasandra daily. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Perkins family as well as they mourn. We love Jovan. His kindness, humility, respect and gratitude for family and friends was steadfast," Kimble continued.

Kimble said Belcher embraced life and excelled in all he put his energy behind.

"Jovan was overjoyed when Kasandra gave birth to their daughter. He was happy to be a new father and both he and Kasandra loved her dearly. The 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," she said.

RELATED | Jamaal Charles: Keep us in your prayers http://bit.ly/ Vrj3Qf

"Like them, we will cherish the wonderful memories we have of Jovan and 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."

Kimble asked for prayers and privacy for the family. They did not answer questions.