A year to the day after three Kansas City Chiefs fans were last seen alive, it is still unclear why they died on their friend's snowy field – and authorities have not filed criminal charges in their deaths.
Clayton McGeeney, 37; Ricky Johnson, 38; and David Harrington, 36, visited their old friend Jordan Willis at his home in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 7, 2024 to watch the Chiefs play the Los Angeles Chargers.
Two days later, the three men were found dead on Willis' property by McGeeney's girlfriend. Willis could not be reached on the phone and did not answer her door for the next several days, according to family members who searched for the three friends who did not return home.
However preliminary autopsy results shared with the media by family members indicate that fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana were in their system, the families of the dead men question Willis' involvement in what happened, and others threaten to file cases.
In September, Willis' attorney John Picerno told Fox News Digital that “charges (will be) coming in the next few weeks,” based on “internal discussions” with prosecutors.
DEATH OF KANSAS CAPTAIN FANS: FAMILIES OF ATTACKERS STRUGGLE ABOUT 'OLD' VIEWS, SAYS
David Harrington, Clayton McGeeney and Ricky Johnson were found dead outside a friend's home in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 9, 2024. (Ricky Johnson/Facebook)
“I can say with confidence that my client will not be charged in that regard,” Picerno said at the time. “My client will not be charged in any way with the untimely death of his friends.”
When asked who would face criminal charges in the men's deaths, Picerno replied, “The criminal charge would be a felony murder charge if someone drugged those guys.”
However, Picerno and lawyers for the men's family members said there has been no progress since then.
Fox News Digital previously reported that a fifth man was at the Willis home on Northwest 83rd Terrace on January 7 – but the man told. Fox 4 that he left the men while they were still heading for the game, and stressed that he was not the last person to see them alive.
That the fifth husband's advocate could not be reached for comment by Fox News Digital.
DEATH OF KANSAS CITY HEADS FANS: UNHAPPY FAMILIES WERE RESURRECTED BY OTHER LAWS.
An exterior view of Jordan Willis' home in Kansas City, Missouri, on Friday, January 26, 2024. (DWS for Fox News Digital)
Picerno said in September that the length of the investigation, which the Kansas State Police Department has repeatedly described as a death investigation rather than a homicide investigation, “is really unusual.”
He added that his client gave all of his electronic devices to the police at the beginning of the investigation, along with DNA samples.
“I don't know what made this investigation go on (more than) nine months,” Picerno said. “That would be a question better answered by prosecutors.”
“There is nothing to report or comment on at this time,” a representative for the Platte County Prosecutor's Office told Fox News Digital. “It's still an ongoing investigation. I think when something is done, (Platte County Prosecutor) Eric (Zahnd) will be making a press release. We don't have time to report, unfortunately.”
The Kansas State Police Department could not be reached for comment at press time.
Family and friends of Clayton McGeeney, left, David Harrington, center, and Ricky Johnson are seeking answers after the three men died in mysterious circumstances in freezing temperatures outside their home of their friend in Kansas City, Missouri. (Facebook)
Although he is “confident” his client will avoid criminal charges, Picerno said in September that civil action was likely imminent. He said he has been in contact with attorneys representing the men's families and noted that the statute of limitations in these types of cases is five years in Missouri.
Jennifer Marquez, David Harrington's mother, told Fox News Digital that “this is the first (I've) heard” about the move in the case. Until he hears more from the prosecutor's office, he said he will “keep (keep) calm and not get his hopes up.”
“Of course I'm very happy to hear that something might be happening,” he said on Tuesday.
“I haven't been told anything,” he continued. However, they haven't given any information to us, the families, so I don't have any information. that would spoil the case, I believe. “
“Of course, I would like to see people held accountable for this, and I believe Jordan should be held accountable,” Marquez said. “It was his home, he had a party, and, you know.”
Willis, who left his Kansas City home and enrolled in a rehabilitation program after his friends died, “has had his life changed forever,” Picerno said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
HIV specialist Jordan Willis, 38, checked himself into a nursing home after three of his friends were found dead in his backyard on January 9, 2024. (GitHub)
“It's a bad thing when people already think you're guilty without any real evidence,” Picerno said. “It's hard to cultivate, and he manages it as best he can.”
A source close to the Willis family told Fox News Digital that the 39-year-old Ph.D. scientist and researcher “is still struggling with the consequences of all of this.”
“(He) not only lost good friends, but (had) many people who turned against him,” the source said.
“It affected every part of his life, and he's doing the best he can,” the source continued. “She's been helping with her father's care this year, and she's trying to stay positive.”