KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - The family of Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher, who shot and killed his girlfriend before killing himself, says they're having difficulty dealing with the ``inconceivable tragedy.''

Police say Belcher killed 22-year-old Kasandra Perkins at their Kansas City home Saturday before driving to Arrowhead Stadium, where he committed suicide in the practice facility's parking lot.

One of Belcher's cousins, Yamiesse (yah-MEES') Lawrence, read a statement outside Belcher's boyhood home in West Babylon, N.Y., on Monday, saying words can't express the sorrow the family feels.

Lawrence said the family is ``overwhelmed with both sadness and confusion,'' and extends thoughts and prayers to the Perkins family.

Belcher's niece, Quaresha (kwahr-EE'-shuh) Boston, said the football player ``embraced life and excelled at all he put his energy behind'' and that God alone could ``mend our hearts.''