Authorities have officially determined the cause of death for three Kansas City Chiefs fans who were discovered deceased in the backyard of their friend's home in January 2024.

A forensic examination revealed that David Harrington, 37, Clayton McGeeney, 36, and Ricky Johnson, 38, "all died of Fentanyl and cocaine combined toxicity," Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd stated during a press conference.

Two Suspects Arrested 

On March 5, 2024, authorities announced the arrest of two individuals linked to the case. The suspects, Jordan Willis and Ivory Carson, face charges of involuntary manslaughter and drug distribution.

The three men were visiting their friend, Jordan Willis, at his Kansas City, Missouri, rental home to watch the Kansas City Chiefs play the Los Angeles Chargers on January 7. Their bodies were discovered two days later in the backyard of the property.

Cause of Death and Drug-Related Evidence

Early toxicology reports had already indicated the presence of fentanyl and cocaine in the victims’ systems, as reported by local news outlet WDAF in February 2024. Law enforcement officials have maintained that the case remains an "ongoing death investigation" and initially stated that "no foul play" was "observed or suspected."

During a search of the rental home following the incident, police recovered two plastic bags containing "white powdery substances." One of these bags tested positive for cocaine, while the other was found to contain fentanyl.

DNA Evidence Links Suspects to the Drugs

Prosecutor Zahnd revealed that forensic testing identified Willis as the "major contributor of DNA found on that bag" containing cocaine. Similarly, Carson was identified as the "major contributor of DNA" on the bag containing fentanyl.

Both Willis and Carson now face multiple charges, including "distribution of a controlled substance and three counts of involuntary manslaughter."

https://usaherald.com/arrests-in-deaths-of-kansas-city-chiefs-fans-found-frozen-in-yard/

Witness Testimonies and Defense Statements

According to a witness, the three men spent the night at Willis' rental home, where they "drank, smoked marijuana, and used cocaine." This witness left shortly before midnight. Another individual reported seeing a "large plate of cocaine allegedly supplied by Mr. Willis that everyone was using" at Harrington's home before the gathering at Willis’ residence.

Willis' attorney, John Picerno, has denied his client’s involvement.

 Speaking to PEOPLE in January 2024, he stated that Willis was “unaware of how his friends died” and was “anxiously awaiting the results of the autopsy and toxicology report.” Following the arrests, Picerno reiterated to KCTV, "Jordan maintains that he is not responsible for purchasing or supplying the drugs that led to the deaths of his three friends. We are very much looking forward to the day a jury gets to hear all of the evidence in this case."

Both Willis and Carson are currently being held on a $100,000 cash bond, as reported by the Associated Press. If convicted, each charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.