WEST BABYLON, N.Y. (AP) — Shocked friends and family gathered at the boyhood home of Jovan Belcher, a Kansas City Chiefs linebacker who shot his girlfriend to death and then killed himself in front of his coach.

Belcher grew up in West Babylon, and a large group of relatives gathered at his mother’s house Saturday afternoon to celebrate his life.

The mood was somber for hours, but as dark fell a party atmosphere emerged, with loud Hip Hop music playing.

His family turned the front yard into a shrine, with a large poster of the linebacker, trophies, and jerseys, jackets and flags from teams he’s played for.

Family friend Ruben Marshall said he couldn’t believe the shootings.

He called Belcher “a family man.”

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.