Two people have been charged 14 months after three Kansas City Chiefs fans were found frozen to death outside of a friend's home.
Jordan Willis, a scientist previously described as "the chemist," and Ivory Carson have been charged with multiple counts of involuntary manslaughter and drug distribution, per the New York Post.
This follows the deaths of Ricky Johnson Jr., 38, David Harrington, 37, and Clayton McGeeney, 36.
The men had gathered at Willis’ rental home on January 7, 2024, to watch a Kansas City Chiefs playoff game but never made it home.
Their frozen bodies were discovered in Willis’ backyard two days later.
The case initially sparked confusion and suspicion. A fiancée of one of the victims initiated a welfare check on January 9, 2024, leading authorities to Willis’ home on NW 83rd Terrace, where they made the gruesome discovery.
One body was found on the back porch, while the other two were in the backyard, exposed to the brutal cold.
At the time, Willis’ lawyer, John Picerno, insisted his client had been asleep for nearly 48 hours and had no idea his friends had died.
"He does not know the timing or manner of their deaths, nor does he know how or when they exited his house," Picerno stated, maintaining that Willis had "absolutely nothing to do with their deaths."
As the victims' families demanded answers, an early toxicology report obtained by the Kansas City Police Department revealed "several" substances in their systems.
According to TMZ, traces of cocaine and fentanyl were detected, fueling concerns about what had transpired that night.
More than a year later, prosecutors say they have gathered enough evidence to charge Willis and Carson.
Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd revealed during a press conference that the victims died from a lethal combination of fentanyl and cocaine.
Investigators discovered drugs inside Willis’ home, including a bag of cocaine with his DNA on it and another bag of fentanyl that reportedly contained Carson’s DNA.
A witness claimed to have seen Willis supplying a large plate of cocaine at Harrington’s home before the group headed to Willis’ residence, where they continued using drugs, drinking, and smoking marijuana.
Text messages on Harrington’s phone reportedly tied Carson to the drug supply, strengthening the case against him.
“This case is a tragic reminder of the dangers of street drugs,” Zahnd stated. “But make no mistake—the people that supply those drugs can and will be held accountable when people overdose.”
Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves reinforced this message, warning drug dealers: “You will be held accountable, you will be arrested, and you will be charged.”
Despite the charges, Willis’ attorney, John Picerno, maintained his client’s innocence.
"Jordan maintains that he is not responsible for purchasing or supplying the drugs that led to the deaths of his three friends," Picerno told the Kansas City Star, adding, "We are very much looking forward to the day a jury gets to hear all of the evidence in this case."
As the case gained national attention, disturbing claims emerged about Willis’ reputation among friends. Caleb McGeeney, a cousin of one of the victims, told NewsNation last year that Willis was commonly known as "the chemist".
“They all knew him as that,” McGeeney alleged. “It was easy for them to go have fun, but he f***ed up, he made a mistake.”
Following the tragedy, it was reported that Willis checked himself into rehab. A family source claimed he recognized he had an addiction problem and sought treatment after vacating his home.