In January 2024, the Kansas City community was shaken by the tragic deaths of three devoted Chiefs fans: David Harrington, 37; Clayton McGeeney, 36; and Ricky Johnson, 38.
The trio was discovered deceased in the backyard of their friend Jordan Willis’s residence, following a gathering to watch a Chiefs game. Recent developments have shed light on the circumstances surrounding their untimely passing.
On January 9, 2024, after not hearing from McGeeney for two days, his fiancée visited Willis’s home to check on him. There, she found the lifeless bodies of the three men in the backyard.
The initial investigation revealed that they had attended a watch party at Willis’s house on January 7 to support the Kansas City Chiefs in their game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Early statements from the Kansas City Police Department indicated that “no foul play” was suspected. However, the community and families of the deceased sought more definitive answers regarding the cause of death.
Forensic examinations later determined that all three men died from combined toxicity of fentanyl and cocaine, People reports. This revelation shifted the focus of the investigation toward the source of the lethal substances.
On March 5, 2025, over a year after the incident, authorities arrested Jordan Willis, 42, and Ivory Carson, 44, charging them with three counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of distribution of a controlled substance.
Investigations uncovered that Willis allegedly provided the drugs consumed during the gathering, which he purportedly obtained from Carson. DNA evidence linked both men to the narcotics found at the scene.
Witnesses reported that the group had used cocaine at Harrington’s residence before continuing at Willis’s home. They also noted that Willis frequently supplied cocaine to his friends and sourced it from Carson.
Both Willis and Carson are currently held on $100,000 cash bonds. If convicted, each charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
The families of the deceased have expressed a mix of grief and a desire for justice.
Theresa Harrington, David’s mother, voiced her frustration over the lack of information during the investigation, stating, “I have been kept in the dark this whole time.” She also expressed surprise upon learning about the arrests and charges.
Rick Johnson, Ricky’s father, has committed to attending every court proceeding, seeking accountability for his son’s death.
Legal Proceedings
John Picerno, the defense attorney representing Willis, maintains his client’s innocence, asserting that Willis did not supply the drugs that led to the fatalities.
He emphasized that Willis was unaware of his friends’ presence in the backyard, stating, “He had no idea they were out there.”
The case is ongoing, with both defendants awaiting trial. The legal process will seek to uncover the full extent of their involvement and determine the appropriate consequences.
Community Impact
This incident has highlighted the dangers associated with illicit drug use, particularly substances laced with fentanyl. The Kansas City community continues to mourn the loss of Harrington, McGeeney, and Johnson, remembering them as passionate Chiefs fans and cherished friends.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the families and the community at large hope for justice and increased awareness about the perils of drug misuse.
