Two Suspects Plead Not Guilty in Kansas City Chiefs Fans’ Tragic Deaths

Two Suspects Plead Not Guilty in Kansas City Chiefs Fans’ Tragic Deaths

Two men have entered not guilty pleas regarding their involvement in the deaths of three Kansas City Chiefs fans. Their bodies were discovered frozen in a backyard following an NFL watch party over a year ago. The suspects, Jordan Willis and Ivory Carson, appeared separately via video link from their jail cells during an arraignment in Platte County, Missouri.

Details of the Arraignment

During the court appearance, which took place on a Thursday afternoon, both men were dressed in orange jail jumpsuits. Willis’ attorney, John Picerno, entered the not guilty plea on behalf of his client, while the judge recorded the plea for Carson, who currently lacks legal representation and intends to apply for a public defender. The arraignment lasted only a few minutes.

Charges Filed Against the Suspects

Willis and Carson were charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter along with two counts of delivery of a controlled substance, excluding 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids. These details were confirmed through court records.

Police Investigation and Findings

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department conducted a thorough investigation over 14 months before announcing the charges against the two suspects. Police Chief Stacey Graves commended the dedication of the detectives working on the case. He stated that their unwavering commitment aimed to deliver justice for the victims and their families.

Cause of Death Revealed

A forensic examination revealed that the three victims—David Harrington, 37, Clayton McGeeney, 36, and Ricky Johnson, 38—died from combined toxicity of fentanyl and cocaine. The specific findings came from court documents reviewed by news outlets.

The tragic event unfolded on January 9, 2024, after the group had gathered to watch the Chiefs compete against the Los Angeles Chargers on January 7. The deceased were discovered by McGeeney’s fiancée, April Mahoney, who contacted law enforcement after finding their bodies.

Aftermath of the Incident

Family members who sought the trio reported difficulty in reaching Willis, who had gone silent after the incident. They grew increasingly concerned as the days passed without communication from their loved ones.

Willis later told police he was unaware of his friends’ deaths and did not hear from their families or friends following the event. His attorney expressed surprise at the charges brought against Willis, claiming they contradicted information provided by the prosecuting attorney’s office months earlier.

Legal Representation and Future Proceedings

Picerno conveyed his belief in Willis’ innocence regarding the drug-related charges. He emphasized that his client maintains he did not procure or supply the drugs involved in the deaths. The defense team looks forward to presenting all evidence in a jury trial.

Both suspects are scheduled to appear in court again on March 11 at 10:45 a.m. local time as the legal proceedings continue.

Looking Ahead

The ongoing case has attracted significant attention, highlighting issues surrounding substance abuse and the responsibilities inherent in hosting gatherings. As the investigation unfolds, the legal system will seek to address not only the actions of Willis and Carson but also the societal factors contributing to such tragedies.

The families of the deceased remain in mourning as they navigate the complexities of a legal system that has the potential to provide both answers and justice. Through the trial, they hope to uncover the truth and find a semblance of closure in an extremely painful chapter of their lives.

This report draws upon contributions from the Associated Press and Fox News’ Stepheny Price.