Kansas City, MO (Sports Network) - Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher
killed himself Saturday morning at the team's facility, moments after
allegedly killing his girlfriend.
Belcher was 25 years old.
According to Kansas City police, Belcher shot his girlfriend multiple times
after the two had been engaged in an argument at home. She was taken to a
hospital and pronounced dead.
Minutes after the first shooting, police said, Belcher drove to the Chiefs'
training facility at Arrowhead Stadium and spoke with team personnel,
including head coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli, before
taking his own life with a gunshot.
"When officers arrived (at Arrowhead Stadium), they observed a black male who
had a gun to his head and he was talking to a couple of coaches out in the
parking lot," police spokesman Darrin Snapp told reporters outside Arrowhead
Stadium. "As officers pulled up and began to park, that's when they heard the
gunshot and it appears the individual took his own life."
A report from the Kansas City Star said Belcher and his girlfriend had a
daughter, who was only a few months old.
"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," said Chiefs owner
Clark Hunt 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."
Belcher was in his fourth year with the Chiefs after signing as an undrafted
free agent out of Maine. He started 10 of the 11 games he had played this
season, registered 38 tackles.
The Chiefs are scheduled to play Carolina on Sunday, but there has been no
official word from the team or the NFL about the status of the game.
The Sports Network