According to a new report, the NFL player who tragically shot and killed his girlfriend before turning the gun on himself was sent into a violent rage after hearing he wasn’t the father of their 3-month old baby Zoey.

Jovan Belcher‘s mom, Cheryl Shephard, who was at their home when her son tragically shot his girlfriend Kassandra Perkins and fled the scene, told police that they had been arguing over the paternity of their three-month old daughter Zoey, the New York Post is reporting.

“The mother believed that there was an issue over whether [Belcher] was the father,” a source close to the player told the New York Post. 

“She said he [believed he] wasn’t necessarily the father of the child,” a source with Kansas City law enforcement told the paper.

Although it hasn’t been confirmed that the argument over paternity was the reason for the violent murder-suicide, another source is saying it could be a factor.

“But the implication was that [paternity] was what the two of them were fighting about — that the baby might not have been his,” the source said.

On the morning of Dec. 1, the Kansas City Chiefs linebacker fatally shot his girlfriend at their home in front of his mother, then reportedly kissed his dying girlfriend and their baby before taking off. Cheryl frantically phoned the police after Jovan bolted.

The NFL player then went to his team’s practice facility, and apologized to his the Chief’s coach and general manager before turning the gun on himself and taking his own life in front of them.

Little Zoey will be cared for by Cheryl in the Long Island home where she lives and where Jovan grew up.

Such a tragic situation. Our thoughts are with the families affected during this difficult time.

What do YOU think of the paternity argument HollyMoms?

More Jovan Belcher news:

1. Jovan Belcher 911 Call Released — His Mother Screams While Baby Cries
2. Jovan Belcher Kissed Girlfriend After Murdering Her — Report
3. Jovan Belcher’s Family Releases Statement After Murder-Suicide