KCPD Detectives’ Year-Plus Investigation Leads to Felony Charges

Image of Chief Stacey Graves and Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd

Dated: March 5, 2025

Two men face drug distribution and manslaughter charges in the deaths of three Kansas City Chiefs fans whose bodies were discovered on January 9, 2024 outside a Platte County home. Jordan Willis and Ivory Carson are each charged with distribution of a controlled substance and three counts of involuntary manslaughter.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "Some people seemed to believe charges would never be brought in this case, perhaps because the investigation has spanned more than a year. Understand this: The Kansas City Police Department and my office do not rest on homicide cases until we have exhausted every possible resource to bring anyone we believe responsible to justice. Today's charges are a testament to the hard work of Kansas City detectives over many months."

“Though we often want answers immediately, great police work takes time,” said Police Chief Stacey Graves “Our detectives never stopped working on this case, waiting for all the facts to come in. Today is a testament to their dedication, reflecting KCPD’s devotion to Kansas City.”

Clayton McGeeney, David Harrington, and Ricky Johnson were found dead outside Willis' home in the 5200 block of Northwest 83rd Terrace in the Platte County portion of Kansas City on January 9. 

According to court documents, McGeeney's fiancé told police that McGeeney, Harrington, and Johnson had gone to Willis' home to watch the Kansas City Chiefs football game on January 7. When she could not contact McGeeney, she went to the home on January 9 and found at least one person dead on the back patio. Temperatures dipped below freezing the night of the Chiefs game.

Officers with the Kansas City Police Department responded and found McGeeney, Harrington, and Johnson's bodies in the backyard of the home. 

Detectives then obtained consent to search the home. They found two plastic bags containing white powdery substances. The bags were tested by the Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory. One of the bags contained cocaine, and Willis was determined to be a major contributor of DNA found on that bag. The other bag contained fentanyl, and Carson was determined to be a major contributor of the DNA on that bag.

Another witness said he was at Harrington's home the night of the football game, where he saw a large plate of cocaine allegedly supplied by Willis they were using. The witness said McGeeney, Harrington, and Johnson were going to Willis' home after the football game. 

Another witness said he was with McGeeney, Harrington, Johnson, and Willis at Willis' home on January 7, where they drank, smoked marijuana, and used cocaine. That witness left shortly before midnight. 

Data recovered from Harrington's phone contained text messages between Harrington, McGeeney, Johnson, Willis, Carson, and others consistent with the purchase and use of cocaine. The messages allegedly indicated that Carson supplied Harrington with cocaine. 

A doctor with Forensic Medical of Kansas found that McGeeney, Harrington, and Johnson all died of fentanyl and cocaine combined toxicity. 

Willis is charged with distribution of cocaine. Carson is charged with distribution of fentanyl. Willis and Carson are each charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter for recklessly causing the deaths of McGeeney, Harrington, and Johnson. Each of those charges carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years in prison. 

Willis and Carson are each being held in the Platte County Detention Center in lieu of $100,000 bonds.

Zahnd said, "This case is a tragic reminder of the dangers of street drugs. But make no mistake, the people who supply those drugs can and will be held accountable when people overdose."

The case is being investigated by the Kansas City Police Department. It is being prosecuted by First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gibson and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Collin VanOstran. 

The charges against Willis and Carson are merely accusations and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.