Kansas City authorities have concluded their investigation into the deaths of three friends found frozen in their backyard over a year ago, ruling out foul play. The deceased, identified as Ricky Johnson Jr., 38, David Harrington, 37, and Clayton McGeeney, 36, died from “fentanyl and cocaine toxicity,” according to officials. The trio had been at the residence of 39-year-old Jordan Willis, watching a Kansas City Chiefs football game on January 7, 2024.
Two days after the game, the bodies of the three friends were discovered in Willis’ backyard. Willis, who had been inside the house, claimed to have been unaware of the presence of the bodies outside his home. This claim sparked numerous theories and speculation about the circumstances surrounding the deaths, as family and friends of the deceased sought answers.
The Kansas City police have now announced that they are charging Willis and his alleged drug dealer, 42-year-old Ivory Carson, with involuntary manslaughter. Both men were taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon. The charges stem from the discovery of bags of fentanyl and cocaine in Willis’ home, which were linked to the deaths of the three friends.
Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd emphasized the dangers of street drugs in a statement on Wednesday. He also warned that those who supply such drugs can and will be held accountable when overdoses occur. Forensic evidence revealed that Willis’ DNA was predominantly found on the cocaine bag, while Carson’s DNA was significantly present on the fentanyl bag.
Text messages between Carson and Harrington suggested that Carson had sold drugs to the group, a claim he later admitted to. Willis, an HIV researcher, maintained that he had gone to bed early on the night of the deaths and had not heard the commotion outside due to sleeping with headphones on and a fan running.
Despite the charges, Willis’ attorney, John Picerno, insists that his client did not purchase or supply the drugs that led to the deaths of his friends. He stated that they are eagerly awaiting the opportunity for a jury to hear all the evidence in the case.