Suspects in Kansas City Chiefs fans’ deaths plead not guilty

The arraignment of two men charged in connection with the deaths of three Kansas City Chiefs fans, whose bodies were found frozen in a backyard over a year ago, took place on Thursday in Platte County, Missouri. Jordan Willis and Ivory Carson, both wearing orange jumpsuits, appeared via video from jail for the brief hearing. Willis’ attorney, John Picerno, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf, while Carson, who does not yet have legal representation, plans to apply for a public defender. The judge entered a not guilty plea on Carson’s behalf as well. The hearing lasted only a few minutes, marking the latest development in a case that has unfolded over the past 14 months.

The charges against Willis and Carson were announced on Wednesday, with both men facing three counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of delivering a controlled substance. The Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) conducted a lengthy investigation, which concluded with the charges being filed. Police Chief Stacey Graves praised the detectives’ dedication, stating that they worked tirelessly to gather all the facts and bring justice to the victims and their families. The case has drawn significant attention due to the tragic circumstances under which the bodies of David Harrington, 37, Clayton McGeeney, 36, and Ricky Johnson, 38, were discovered.

The three men were found dead in Willis’ rental home on January 9, 2024, after attending an NFL watch party two days earlier. They had gathered to watch the Kansas City Chiefs play the Los Angeles Chargers on January 7. Their bodies were discovered by McGeeney’s fiancée, April Mahoney, who alerted the police. A forensic examination later determined that all three victims died from fentanyl and cocaine combined toxicity, according to court documents. Willis, one of the hosts of the gathering, reportedly did not respond to phone calls or door knocks in the days following the incident, leading family members of the victims to express concern and confusion over his whereabouts and lack of communication.

Willis’ attorney, John Picerno, expressed surprise at the charges, stating that they contradicted earlier assurances from the prosecuting attorney’s office. Picerno emphasized that Willis maintains his innocence, denying any involvement in purchasing or supplying the drugs that led to his friends’ deaths. He also highlighted that the probable cause statement submitted by the state aligns with Willis’ account of the events. Picerno added that the defense is eager for a jury to hear all the evidence in the case, suggesting that there may be more to the story than what has been presented so far.

The case has left the families of the victims seeking answers and justice. Relatives of one of the deceased men, Ricky Johnson, have publicly speculated that he may have been drugged without his knowledge, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The KCPD’s investigation, which spanned over a year, involved piecing together the events of that night and determining the role, if any, that Willis and Carson played in the tragedy. While both men have pleaded not guilty, the charges against them suggest that prosecutors believe they bear some responsibility for the fatal overdose of the three friends.

The next court appearance for Willis and Carson is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, at 10:45 a.m. local time. As the case moves forward, the focus will likely remain on the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defense’s arguments to rebut the charges. For the families of Harrington, McGeeney, and Johnson, the pursuit of justice continues, even as they grapple with the loss of their loved ones. The outcome of this case will not only determine the fate of the two defendants but also provide some closure for the victims’ families, who have endured a painful and uncertain wait for answers.