The deceased, identified as David Harrington, Ricky Johnson, and Clayton McGeeney, were discovered in the yard of their acquaintance Jordan Willis', an HIV researcher based in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 9. The discovery ensued their visit on January 7 to watch a football game featuring the Kansas City Chiefs against the Los Angeles Chargers at Willis' home.
Amid an investigation that appears to have hit a standstill and widespread speculation surrounding the circumstances of the deaths, Ricky Johnson's family has sought the expertise of a private detective.
Despite being unaware of their presence for two days, Willis was reportedly oblivious to the men's presence in his backyard until McGeeney's fiancée alerted him.
Stephanie Walling, Ricky Johnson's niece, shared via Facebook that a private detective has been hired by the family. To facilitate this and other associated costs, Ricky Johnson Snr., the deceased's father, initiated a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe, as stated by Walling in a Facebook post responding to a supporter's inquiry.
Furthermore, Walling communicated that individual GoFundMe campaigns are set up for each of the three friends now passed away.
Authorities have indicated that they are not approaching the case as a homicide at this point.
John Picerno, the attorney representing Willis, firmly stated that his client had no involvement in his friends' deaths, who he had known since their teenage years.
Picerno elaborated on the significant impact this has had on Willis' life, including his decision to vacate his home, cease his social media activity, and take a temporary leave from his workplace, as per a statement given to Kansas City's KCTV.
Picerno relayed that following the Chiefs game, the friends gathered at Willis's home, and around 2 a.m., Willis announced he was retiring to the couch for the night, bidding his friends farewell.
He was under the impression they exited through the front door, Picerno explained to KCTV.
When questioned about why Willis did not check the backyard, Picerno stated that Willis had no cause to venture into the backyard and was unaware of anyone's presence there.
A cause of death remains undetermined by the medical examiner's office.
On January 9, April Mahoney, McGeeney's betrothed, discovered the first deceased individual at the house and promptly contacted the authorities. Neighbor surveillance captured footage of the police arriving and questioning Willis at his doorstep.
The relatives of one of three deceased sports enthusiasts found at their pal’s home’s rear have enlisted a private investigator to delve into the mystery.
The trio, David Harrington, Ricky Johnson, and Clayton McGeeney, were located in the backyard of Jordan Willis, an HIV researcher in Kansas City, Missouri, having been there since their visit on January 7 to view the Chiefs versus Chargers showdown.
Faced with a halted police probe and rampant speculation, Ricky Johnson's kin sought the services of a private investigator.
Willis claimed unawareness of their presence at the rear of his property for two days until McGeeney's partner alerted him.
Stephanie Walling, Johnson’s niece, broadcasted via Facebook on Monday the family's engagement with a detective. She disclosed that Ricky Johnson Snr., Johnson's dad, had initiated a GoFundMe to fund the detective, legal assistance, and other associated expenses as they seek answers.
Walling conveyed that each of the three late comrades now has a dedicated GoFundMe.
Authorities currently do not view the deaths as homicides.
Picerno, representing Willis, staunchly maintains that his client played no role in his friends' demise. Pointing out that two of the deceased were longtime friends from his high school days, Picerno delineated how deeply the situation has affected Willis, who's since vacated his home, deactivated his social networks, and taken a leave from work.
Kansas City Police's Captain Jake Becchina emphasized on January 9 that the case is not being pursued as a homicide, clarifying that there have been no arrests, no charges laid, and no incarcerations.
He assured there are no immediate threats or concerns for the nearby community at present.
Becchina added that the homeowner cooperated with detectives when the deceased were discovered.