The more details that emerge from the Jovan Belcher murder-suicide that took place earlier this month, the more it seems evident that the Kansas City Chiefs linebacker gave warning signs that he was a disturbed individual. On Friday, Jackson County prosecutors ruled the deaths of Belcher and his girlfriend Kasandra Perkins a murder-suicide and closed the case. The case file, which is now public record, revealed more information.
According to the Kansas City Star, Belcher sent a text message to a “secret girlfriend” less than two months ago expressing his frustration with Perkins. Police reports say the message said Belcher “would shoot” Perkins if “she didn’t leave him alone.” The secret girlfriend said she simply thought Belcher was joking. As we now know, he was not.
In addition to the detail about Belcher’s threat, the reports also said Belcher told the girlfriend that Perkins knew how to “push his buttons” and make him angry. The secret girlfriend told police Belcher told her Perkins threatened to take the couple’s 3-month-old child and all of his money if they split up.
Belcher’s mother, Cheryl Shephard, said she moved in with Jovan and Perkins roughly two weeks before their deaths because they were having financial problems that were reportedly caused by Perkins’ spending habits. Shephard said the argument that preceded the murder-suicide had to do with one or both of them going out to a club and partying.
As we continue to find out more, we can only hope the tragedy will serve as a learning experience. Between Belcher’s alleged drinking problem, his questions about the paternity of his and Kasandra’s child and the threats he made about Perkins, there were a number of warning signs that should have indicated the 25-year-old was heading down a dangerous path.
H/T The Big Lead
