Kandi Burruss: Breaking Her Silence About Ex-Fiance A.J. Jewell's Murder

Kandi Burruss: Breaking Her Silence About Ex-Fiance AJ Jewell's Murder 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star Kandi Burruss is formally breaking her silence about the tragic death of her ex-fiance Ashley 'A.J.' Jewell.

Jewell, who has appeared in several episodes of the hit Bravo reality series, was killed after a fight outside popular Atlanta strip club, The Body Tap, late Friday night. As previously reported by BV Newswire, Frederick Richardson was charged with voluntary manslaughter in the beating death of Jewell the next day.

According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Richardson was an employee at the strip club and Jewell was a part-owner.

The former Xscape front-woman released a statement on Sunday afternoon about her loss.

"I am devastated by the loss of AJ. His death comes on the heels of the death of my beloved Uncle Ralph and with both of them gone, my heart is heavy with grief."

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The Grammy Award-winning songwriter said that she spoke with AJ just two hours before she got the phone call that he was in the hospital. She added, "Never in a thousand years did I think it was going to be the last time I heard his voice. He was taken way too soon. There are so many things that I should have said to him, wanted to say to him...but now it's too late."

Burruss previously took to Twitter.com early Saturday saying that she did not want to talk, but that she was thankful for prayers and kind words she received from the public. In her new statement, she expressed her gratitude at the support she has received.

"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of my family and friends -- and that means my Twitter and Facebook friends as well -- for the beautiful words of encouragement, prayers, and the sweet condolences. I make it through these difficult days because of you."

As for Jewell, he leaves behind six children. Burruss asked for people to "please pray for his children, his family and [her own daughter] Riley - they too are grieving the loss of an incredible man, son, brother and father."

The Atlanta native lamented, "I wish you all had gotten to know the AJ we all knew and loved," and left a few choice words for the world.

"I know this is cliché' but I urge everyone to treat each day as if it's your last and tell that special someone you love them today. Don't wait. It may be too late."

No information on Jewell's funeral services were released.