Kansas City Chiefs fans' deaths: Criminal charges loom if drug overdose linked to supplier

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: Criminal charges could be on the horizon in the mysterious deaths of David Harrington, 37, Ricky Johnson, 38, and Clayton McGeeney, 36, who were found "frozen to death" in the backyard of Jordan Willis' residence on January 9, following a Kansas City Chiefs game.

A retired DEA official has suggested that charges may be filed if their deaths are attributed to a fatal drug overdose, and the origin of the drugs can be traced back to a supplier.

Jordan Willis insists on a lack of knowledge regarding friends' deaths

The investigation into the deaths has brought attention to Willis, a friend of the deceased men, who reportedly answered the door for the police, claiming to have been asleep for 48 hours, as destiny took a tragic turn for his companions.

Toxicology results revealed that the victims had cocaine and fentanyl in their systems, prompting questions about potential criminal charges against the person who supplied the drugs, particularly if the cause of death is officially determined to be a fentanyl overdose.

Willis, a prominent HIV researcher, is currently represented by attorney John Picerno previously released a statement asserting that Willis was unaware of the circumstances surrounding his friends' deaths. Moreover, there are reports that Willis has entered rehab.

Distribution charges linked to overdose deaths

Derek Maltz, a retired DEA director of special operations, explained, “There is a law on the federal Title 21 where it’s called distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death or serious bodily injury. And some of the elements are a little bit difficult to prove," as per Law & Crime.

He emphasized the DEA's focus on dismantling drug networks and pursuing charges against cartel leadership involved in distributing harmful substances. Maltz cautioned that determining criminal liability in a case where a friend unknowingly provides drugs laced with fentanyl could be more challenging.

“DEA as an agency goes after the networks of cartel leadership that are pushing these poisonous substances all over the country. So it may not be the case where a friend accidentally provides cocaine that is laced with fentanyl,” the retired DEA said.