Mystery Surrounds Deaths of Three NFL Fans in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — More than a year after three NFL fans were found dead outside a friend’s home, the cause and manner of their deaths remain a mystery, with no official updates from authorities, police and prosecutors confirmed Tuesday.

The bodies of David Harrington, 38, Ricky Johnson, 37, and Clayton McGeeney, 36, were discovered on Jan. 9, 2024, in the backyard of a rented home in Kansas City. The trio had gathered two days earlier to watch the Kansas City Chiefs‘ regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. Temperatures that night dropped to 29 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

McGeeney’s fiancée reported finding one of the men dead after breaking into the home when she couldn’t reach him. Police later discovered the other two men dead in the backyard. No obvious signs of foul play were observed, and authorities have not disclosed how long the men had been dead or the possible cause of death.

“We do not know why the investigation has taken so long or why they will not publicly announce that my client is not a suspect,” said John Picerno, the attorney for the homeowner, a 38-year-old scientist who has not been charged. “They are refusing to comment. It’s heartbreaking for all involved.”

Kansas City police spokesperson Officer Alayna Gonzalez confirmed the case remains an active death investigation. “Investigators and prosecutors remain in touch, and we are hopeful to have some updates in the coming weeks,” Gonzalez said.

Forensic Medical in Kansas City, which conducted the postmortem exams, has finalized its reports, but the results remain sealed under Missouri law. Platte County District Attorney Eric Zahnd emphasized the complexity of the case. “It has been a long and complex investigation, but we will not give up on trying to determine who is responsible for the deaths of these young men,” Zahnd said.

Family members have speculated that the deaths may be linked to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid often laced into recreational drugs. David Harrington’s stepmother, Theresa Harrington, told Chris Cuomo in a 2024 interview that she believes there is more to the story. “David wasn’t a drug addict. If he took the drugs on his own, he took them to get high,” she said.

Picerno, the homeowner’s attorney, reiterated that his client had no involvement in the deaths. “I don’t know if they froze to death or died from drugs,” he said. “They could have taken drugs and gone outside and froze to death.” The homeowner has since moved to a new residence in the Kansas City area.

As the investigation continues, families of the victims remain in the dark, frustrated by the lack of answers. “My wishes are that the person or persons responsible for providing the substance that caused the deaths are brought to justice,” said Jennifer Marquez, David Harrington’s biological mother.