The body of former NFL linebacker Jovan Belcher was exhumed Friday in order to perform tests on his brain, a lawyer for the player's family told the Kansas City Star. Attorney Dirk Vandever told the newspaper that Belcher's family hopes tests will provide a clue as to why the four-year veteran of the Kansas City Chiefs shot his longtime girlfriend to death then killed himself about a year ago. Belcher's body was exhumed Friday from a cemetery in Long Island, New York, the paper reported. It was not clear where the body was sent for examination. Vandever didn't immediately respond to CNN's calls for comment Sunday morning.
@highlight
Jovan Belcher shot his girlfriend and himself in December 2012
@highlight
The Kansas City Star reports his body was exhumed on Friday
@highlight
Belcher's family wants his brain to be studied for signs of CTE
@highlight
Experienced pathologist says 50-50 chance examination will reveal results
Issues surrounding brain damage, and other potential long-term cognitive and emotional consequences of repetitive brain trauma, have become a serious concern for  the @placeholder.