Police have identified the girlfriend of a Kansas City Chiefs player killed in a murder-suicide as 22-year-old Kasandra M. Perkins. She has ties to Texas.
Police spokesman Darin Snapp says linebacker Jovan Belcher fatally shot Perkins on Saturday. He then drove to Arrowhead Stadium and committed suicide in front of his coach and general manager.
Perkins had a baby with Belcher in September. 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.
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."
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On her Facebook page, there are numerous pictures of Perkins with Belcher and their child.
