KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - The family of the woman shot and killed by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher this weekend says they are broken-hearted.
Police say Belcher shot and killed his 22-year-old girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, at their Kansas City home Saturday before driving to Arrowhead Stadium where he committed suicide in the practice facility's parking lot.
The Perkins family issued an emailed statement Monday saying they've appreciated the "outpouring of love and support" and asked for privacy "during this difficult time."
"Our wish is for Kasi to be remembered for the love she shared with us all. Kasi will be truly missed," they said.
The family also asked that people keep the Belcher family in their prayers.
Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles released a separate statement Monday confirming that Perkins and his wife Whitney Charles were cousins.
His statement said Perkins "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," he said.
Belcher and Perkins leave behind a 3-month-old daughter. She is being cared for by family members.
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