On January 9th, a chilling discovery shook the Kansas City community: three friends, all ardent Chiefs fans, were found dead in a backyard. The deceased were identified as Ricky Johnson, 38, David Harrington, 37, and Clayton Mcgin, 36.
The trio, who had been close since high school, had gathered at the rented home of their friend, Jordan Willis, to watch the Chiefs’ final regular season game against the Chargers on January 7th. Another friend, Alex Wear Lee, was also present but left around midnight.
Two days later, Mcgin’s fiancée, unable to reach him, traced his phone to Willis’s house, where she made the grim discovery of his body in the backyard. The bodies of Johnson and Harrington were found nearby.
Backyard where the bodies were discovered
This tragic incident has left many questions unanswered. What were the circumstances that led to the deaths of these three men?
A Puzzling Case with Few Answers
Forensic death investigator Joseph Scott Morgan, who has been closely following the case, expresses his bewilderment: “This case out of Kansas City is arguably one of the more baffling cases that that I’ve come across this year so far… even in 2023 by that standard.”
Morgan points out the unusual nature of the deaths: “Three apparently… healthy guys…seemingly…you know they’re in their 30s, robust males and all of a sudden all three of them drop dead roughly in the same approximating one another… in an enclosed backyard.”
Adding to the mystery is the fact that Willis, the homeowner, claims to have been asleep for the entire 48 hours following the game, unaware of the tragedy unfolding just outside his door. He only became aware of the situation when authorities arrived on January 9th.
This begs the question: what could cause someone to remain asleep for two full days? Morgan speculates that whatever rendered Willis unconscious may be linked to the deaths of his friends.
Ruling Out Foul Play: A Premature Conclusion?
Despite the unusual circumstances, Kansas City investigators have stated that they are not treating this as a homicide investigation. Jordan Willis is not considered a suspect, and no charges have been filed.
However, many, including the victims’ families, are not convinced. They find it hard to believe that the men would willingly stay outside long enough to succumb to the cold, especially given that they could have easily gone back inside.
Morgan, while acknowledging the investigators’ stance, questions the decision to rule out foul play so quickly: “There’s a checklist that we go through as death investigators and what I teach my students…is that every death is a homicide until proven otherwise.”
He emphasizes the need to thoroughly examine all possibilities before concluding that no foul play was involved.
The Search for Answers: Toxicology and Environmental Clues
With homicide seemingly ruled out, the focus shifts to other potential explanations. Investigators are exploring possibilities like accidental poisoning or drug overdose. Toxicology reports are pending and are expected to shed light on whether any substances played a role in the men’s deaths.
Morgan believes that if an unknown substance is found to be responsible, it is crucial to identify its source and determine if it poses a public health risk.
He also highlights the importance of examining the scene for clues. He stresses the need to analyze any containers, drinking vessels, or substances found near the bodies or within the house.
Forensic investigators working on a case
A Waiting Game for Answers
As the investigation continues, the families and friends of the victims are left grappling with grief and unanswered questions. The lack of concrete information fuels speculation and makes it difficult to find closure.
The tragic deaths of these three Kansas City Chiefs fans serve as a stark reminder of the unexpected turns life can take. It also underscores the importance of thorough investigations, even in the absence of obvious foul play.
Until the toxicology reports are available and the investigation reaches a conclusion, the community of Kansas City and the loved ones of Johnson, Harrington, and Mcgin can only wait and hope for answers that will bring clarity to this perplexing tragedy.
