Jovan Belcher's Family Speaks; Jamaal Charles, Family Of Kasandra Perkins Issue Statements

Standing outside the Kansas City house where Jovan Belcher killed Kasandra Perkins, Belcher's family addressed the media for the first time since Saturday. Belcher's aunt Mary Kimble, flanked by his uncle and sister, read a prepared statement and did not take questions.

"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. 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.

"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.

"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."

Belcher's mother was not there. It's been reported that she will raise Belcher's three-month-old daughter Zoey in the Long Island town where he grew up.

It's been a tough weekend for all the Chiefs, but especially for Jamaal Charles. Charles's wife is Perkins's cousin, so the Charleses are dealing with a very personal set of mixed emotions. Their statement, released this afternoon:

"Our family has suffered a personal tragic loss. Kasandra Perkins was in-fact first cousin to my wife, Whitney. As this is a very tough time for our family, I ask that we are respected as we grieve. Kasandra was not only family, but a friend and a loving mother. As my actual family and my Kansas City Chiefs family have been altered forever, we ask that you keep us and most importantly their child in prayer.

"Thank you all for your continued support."

The Perkins family also released a statement, asking the public to pray for the Belchers:

"On behalf of the Perkins Family, we appreciate the outpouring of love and concern for our Kasandra '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 lost. 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!"