Kansas City Chiefs fan’s father files lawsuit after 3 Missouri men found frozen in yard

A devastating incident involving three Kansas City Chiefs fans who were found dead in a snow-covered backyard in January 2024 has taken a legal turn. The father of one of the victims, David Harrington, has filed a lawsuit against two individuals, Jordan Willis and Ivory Carson, who have been charged in connection with the deaths. The three men—David Harrington, 37, Clayton McGeeney, 36, and Ricky Johnson, 38—died from fentanyl toxicity after an NFL watch party at Willis’ rental home. Jon Harrington, David’s father, is accusing Willis and Carson of negligence and seeking $100,000 in damages, claiming they provided fentanyl and cocaine to the victims without proper licensing. He also alleges that the defendants knew the dangers of fentanyl and failed to provide aid or rescue the victims.

Willis and Carson were charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of delivering a controlled substance. Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges, denying any responsibility for the deaths. Willis’ attorney, John Picerno, expressed surprise at the charges, stating that they contradict earlier assurances from the prosecuting attorney’s office. Picerno emphasized that Willis maintains his innocence and is looking forward to presenting evidence in court. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the tragic circumstances and the lengthy 14-month investigation conducted by the Kansas City Police Department.

The victims were found frozen in Willis’ backyard on January 9, 2024, two days after they gathered to watch the Kansas City Chiefs play the Los Angeles Chargers. Clayton McGeeney’s fiancée, April Mahoney, discovered the bodies and alerted authorities. The police investigation revealed that the deaths were caused by fentanyl toxicity, leading to charges against Willis and Carson. The lawsuit filed by Jon Harrington adds another layer to the case, accusing the defendants of creating a hazardous environment and failing to act when the victims were in distress.

The lawsuit alleges that Willis and Carson provided the drugs to the victims without proper licensure and knowingly exposed them to the risks of fentanyl. It further claims that the defendants were negligent in creating a dangerous situation on the property and failed to render aid or attempt to rescue the victims. The lawsuit seeks $25,000 for each of the four counts of negligence, totaling $100,000 in damages. This legal action underscores the emotional and financial toll the deaths have taken on the victims’ families, who are seeking accountability for their loved ones’ tragic fate.

Willis and Carson are set to appear in court on March 11 for their next hearing. Their attorneys have requested that the public and the media respect the legal process and allow the case to unfold without bias. The defendants maintain their innocence, and their legal team is prepared to present evidence that they argue will exonerate their clients. The case has raised questions about the role of drug distribution, personal responsibility, and the consequences of negligence in fatal incidents involving controlled substances.

As the legal proceedings move forward, the families of the victims continue to grieve and seek justice. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of accountability in preventable tragedies. The community remains divided, with some expressing sympathy for the victims’ families while others call for a fair trial for the defendants. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for how similar incidents are handled in the future. For now, the families of David Harrington, Clayton McGeeney, and Ricky Johnson wait for closure as the legal system works to determine the truth.