There are a lot of theories into what went wrong, but even more questions. Were there warning signs? Was he depressed, in this case perhaps from a football-related brain injury? Were easy access to handguns a factor? And could anything have been done to prevent this? In most domestic violence homicides -- experts say the answer to all these questions is yes.
Those closest to Jovan belcher still can't believe it. Advocates in the fight against domestic violence are also shocked.
What we do know is Belcher and his girlfriend had been arguing recently, and that belcher had handguns at his disposal. No surprise to Lois Reckitt from family crisis services. Guns are used in most homicides and domestic violence homicides in Maine. Reckitt says if belcher didn't have a gun in his hand, his girlfriend wouldn't be dead.
In the case of Stephen Lake, he was released on bail for domestic assault in the summer of 2011. Two days later, he shot and killed his wife and two children, then himself. Colpitts believes many of these murder-suicides are preventable, by requiring mental health providers receive training in domestic abuse and domestic violence risk assessment.
Belcher was a long island native who played football for the University of Maine at Orono. While at UMaine, Jovan was active with a group called Male Athletes Against Violence.
Governor Paul LePage has been active in the fight against domestic violence in Maine.
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