Connect with us

Midwest

Kansas City Chiefs fans' deaths: Victims' families at odds over 'angry' speculation, lawyer says

Published

on

Kansas City Chiefs fans' deaths: Victims' families at odds over 'angry' speculation, lawyer says

Join Fox News for access to this content

Plus get unlimited access to thousands of articles, videos and more with your free account!

Please enter a valid email address.

By entering your email, you are agreeing to Fox News Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. To access the content, check your email and follow the instructions provided.

“Angry, speculative” theories espoused by family members of three Kansas City Chiefs fans found dead in their friend’s snowy backyard have compromised the “dignity” of the investigation into their deaths, according to an attorney representing Clayton McGeeney’s mother and fiancée. 

McGeeney, Ricky Johnson and David Harrington were found dead on their friend Jordan Willis’ property Jan. 9, two days after they watched the Chiefs play the Los Angeles Chargers at the home.

Advertisement

Although Tony Kagay said drugs were detected in the men’s systems, according to preliminary toxicology results shared with their loved ones by police, he could not confirm which drugs were detected. 

Although the Kansas City Police Department was quick to announce that their deaths were “100 percent not being investigated as homicides,” relatives of Johnson and Harrington have suggested that party host Willis played an active role in their deaths. 

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FANS FOUND DEAD IN FRIEND’S BACKYARD: WHAT TO KNOW

David Harrington, Clayton McGeeney and Ricky Johnson were found dead outside their friend’s Kansas City home Jan. 9, 2024. (Ricky Johnson/Facebook)

Meanwhile, McGeeney’s cousin, Caleb McGeeney, told NewsNation that Willis, an HIV scientist who went to Park Hill South High School, “is the chemist.”

Advertisement

“They all knew him as that,” he said, according to NewsNation. “It was easy for them to go have fun, but he f—ed up. He made a mistake.”

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FANS DEATHS: DRUGS IN MEN’S SYSTEMS SHOW ‘THERE’S MORE TO THE STORY,’ FAMILY SAYS

Kagay represents Clayton McGeeney’s mother, Nancy Bossert, and his fiancee, April Mahoney, who discovered one of the men’s bodies after breaking into Willis’ house out of worry and desperation. Kagay said Wednesday “whipping people up into a frenzy isn’t in [his client’s] interests.” 

In an earlier interview, Kagay said it would be “very hard to explain” how Willis could “not realize what happened to his friends” when they were “frozen in his backyard for two days.” However, he said, it is important to “let professionals do their work” and this time should be about “finding out what happened.”

The family of Clayton McGeeney, pictured, is anxiously awaiting the results of the Kansas City Police Department’s investigation into his death, says his family’s attorney, Tony Kagay. (Facebook)

Advertisement

“I think it would be fair to say some of the more vocal members of Clayton’s family may not have Clayton’s best interests at heart,” Kagay said about interviews other McGeeney relatives have given the press. 

“Some of the families who have come out as aggressive or hostile with law enforcement, I think that was premature,” Kagay said.

“Nancy would prefer the kinds of angry, speculating statements that are coming from some of the family members, if those wouldn’t happen, so the investigation could proceed in a dignified manner,” he continued. “Let’s wait to find out what the police say happened and what the prosecutor chooses to do with that.”

PRELIMINARY TOXICOLOGY RESULTS BACK FOR KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FANS FOUND FROZEN TO DEATH

However, Kagay could sympathize with those striving for answers amid a minefield of unanswered questions surrounding the case.

Advertisement

“A lot of these TikTok sleuths and people on the internet, people are getting all worked up thinking, ‘This is b——-, there’s no way [Willis] didn’t know these guys were around,” he said. “There are still a lot of unanswered questions and understandable skepticism as far as an explanation for how this happened.”

HIV scientist Jordan Willis, 38, checked himself into a rehab center after his three friends were found dead in his backyard Jan. 9, 2024. (GitHub)

Kagay said there has also been “disappointment” over the way the Kansas City Police Department immediately ruled out foul play in statements to the press about the men’s deaths.

“I don’t think they were in a position to say that. Clearly there is an ongoing investigation,” Kagay said. “I just don’t know how they made that determination, and I don’t know that was helpful to say … when you say there was no sign of foul play, there was no gunshot, no stab wound. But it doesn’t mean that there wasn’t something that occurred was illegal. … I don’t know that was handled in the ideal manner.

“I’m not saying that anybody did anything intentional,” Kagay said. “[But] I don’t think that it would be required for there to be criminal liability.”

Advertisement

PARENTS OF KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FANS FOUND DEAD THINK VICTIMS ‘SAW SOMETHING THEY SHOULDN’T HAVE SEEN’

He also said that some of the department’s communications have been “a bit inartful.” 

“I don’t think they did anything wrong, but the situation would be clearer if they had communicated better,” Kagay said. 

However, his clients are “supportive” of the KCPD.

“When we get to the end of that, maybe they have some criticisms for how things are handled, at the end of the process,” Kagay said. 

Advertisement

Family and friends of Clayton McGeeney, left; David Harrington, center; and Ricky Johnson are clamoring for answers after the three men inexplicably died in freezing temperatures outside their friend’s Kansas City home. (Facebook)

When full autopsy and toxicology reports are available and police complete their forensic investigation of electronic devices — at least two of the men’s families have been asked for their son’s phone passwords — the Platte County Prosecutor’s Office will decide whether criminal charges should be filed against Willis or Alex Weamer-Lee, a fifth party guest who left the house alive Jan. 7.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FANS DEATHS: ‘HARD TO SEE SCENARIO WHERE SOMETHING UNUSUAL DIDN’T HAPPEN,’ LAWYER SAYS

This view shows the backyard and porch of Jordan Willis’ home in Kansas City Jan. 26, 2024. (DWS for Fox News Digital)

Last week, representatives from the families of Harrington, Johnson and McGeeney met with the prosecutor’s office. Kagay said “prosecutors wanted the family to know this situation was being investigated thoroughly” and that they would “cooperate with the families in the future.”

Advertisement

“There are still a lot of unanswered questions and understandable skepticism as far as an explanation for how this happened,” Kagay said. “There are attempts being made to resolve those questions.

“A lot of these questions may never be answered in a way that makes people satisfied.”

But McGeeney’s family is patiently awaiting police findings until more information is released, and “their position is that we don’t know if [an investigation was] done appropriately or inappropriately because we don’t know how it was done.”

“There are still a lot of unanswered questions and understandable skepticism as far as an explanation for how this happened.”

— Tony Kagay

KCPD Capt. Jake Becchina, though, told Fox News Digital that he never said the case “wasn’t a homicide.”

Advertisement

“We said it was not being investigated as a homicide,” he said Thursday. “Some media outlets were calling it at the time a ‘homicide investigation,’ so that statement was made to ensure that media outlets categorized it as what it was correctly.

“It was and remains a death investigation. That does not mean that if new or different evidence comes forward that the course of the investigation cannot change.
Investigations change course all the time.”

CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP

“I’m sorry for Mr. Kagay’s disappointment,” he added. “We aim to provide the most factual and transparent information to the public in any investigation. This case is no different.”



Read the full article from Here

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Midwest

Pentagon identifies four soldiers killed in March 1 drone strike during Kuwait military operation

Published

on

Pentagon identifies four soldiers killed in March 1 drone strike during Kuwait military operation

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The Department of War on Monday identified four of the six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers killed in a March 1 drone attack in Kuwait while supporting Operation Epic Fury, and officials said the incident remains under investigation.

The soldiers were killed at the Port of Shuaiba during what officials described as an unmanned aircraft system attack. All were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa, which provides logistical and operational support to U.S. forces overseas.

The fallen service members were identified as Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Lakeland, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa. Two additional soldiers killed in the attack have not yet been publicly identified.

Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general of U.S. Army Reserve Command, said the loss is deeply felt across the force.

Advertisement

“We honor our fallen Heroes who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation,” Harter said. “Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten.”

Officials said the soldiers were supporting operations in the region when the drone strike occurred.

Capt. Cody Khork and five other U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were killed in a drone attack in Kuwait March 1. (U.S. Army Reserve Command Press Desk)

Khork enlisted in the National Guard in 2009 as a multiple launch rocket system/fire direction specialist before commissioning as a military police officer in the Army Reserve in 2014. He deployed to Saudi Arabia in 2018; Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, in 2021; and Poland in 2024. His awards include the meritorious service medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 10 Year Device and “M” Device.

3 US WARPLANES SHOT DOWN BY KUWAITI AIR DEFENSES, PILOTS BAIL OUT IN FRIENDLY FIRE INCIDENT, CENTCOM SAYS

Advertisement

Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor and five other U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were killed in a drone attack in Kuwait March 1. (U.S. Army Reserve Command Press Desk)

Amor joined the National Guard in 2005 as an automated logistics specialist and transferred to the Army Reserve the following year. She deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019 and earned multiple commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device.

Tietjens entered the Army Reserve in 2006 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic and completed two deployments to Kuwait in 2009 and 2019. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star.

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said on X he was heartbroken to learn of Tietjens’ death.

TRUMP SAYS US SANK 10 SHIPS IN IRAN STRIKE, ‘LAST, BEST CHANCE’ TO ACT

Advertisement

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens and five other U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were killed in a drone attack in Kuwait March 1. (U.S. Army Reserve Command Press Desk)

“A native of Bellevue, he dedicated his life to defending our country and protecting the freedoms we hold dear,” Bacon wrote. “No words can fully express the sorrow his family and friends are enduring during this unimaginable loss.

“Angie and I are praying for their healing and comfort in the days ahead. We also extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Capt. Cody Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, and Sgt. Declan Coady,” he added. “These four soldiers are American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, and their courage and devotion to duty will never be forgotten.”

The youngest of the four identified soldiers, Coady enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 as an Army information technology specialist and was posthumously promoted from specialist to sergeant. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

US STRIKES MORE THAN 1,700 TARGETS IN IRAN DURING FIRST 72 HOURS OF OPERATION EPIC FURY

Advertisement

Sgt. Declan Coady and five other U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were killed in a drone attack in Kuwait March 1. (U.S. Army Reserve Command Press Desk)

Iowa gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand also issued a statement.

“Iowa: please join me in praying for Declan Coady, a 20-year-old Army Reservist and Drake student, who was one of the lives lost among the escalating conflict in the Middle East,” the statement said. “Join me in also praying for his family and loved ones and for all the communities he was part of, and thanking him for his service and ultimate sacrifice.”

Maj. Gen. Todd Erskine, commanding general of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, said the soldiers’ service reflected the highest ideals of the military.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Advertisement

“To the families and teammates of these Cactus Nation Soldiers: you have my deepest sympathy and my respect,” Erskine said. “Our nation is kept safe by folks like these – brave men and women who put it all on the line every single day. They represent the heart of America. We will remember their names, their service, and their sacrifice.”

Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.

Related Article

Former TOPGUN pilot declares Iran military 'over with' amid US air superiority, but warns of another danger

Read the full article from Here

Continue Reading

Detroit, MI

Multiple tornadoes reported in Southwest Michigan amid severe weather

Published

on

Multiple tornadoes reported in Southwest Michigan amid severe weather



At least two tornadoes were reported in Southwest Michigan on Friday amid severe weather, according to CBS Detroit’s Chief Meteorologist Ahmad Bajjey.

Two of the tornadoes were reported in Union City and Three Rivers, while a possible third tornado may have been in St. Joseph County. Bajjey says the tornadoes caused significant damage. According to Consumers Energy, more than 3,200 customers are without power as of 7:40 p.m. on Friday.

Official reports of fatalities or injuries are unknown, but CBS-affiliate WWMT in Kalamazoo reports that the Branch County medical examiner is on scene in Union City.

Advertisement

The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division says Gov. Gretchen Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center in response to the storms in Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties. The department says the center will be supporting local requests for assistance.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.



Source link

Continue Reading

Milwaukee, WI

Arizona Diamondbacks 0/2, Chicago White Sox/Milwaukee Brewers 6/6

Published

on

Arizona Diamondbacks 0/2, Chicago White Sox/Milwaukee Brewers 6/6


Record 7-7. Change on 2025: +0.5. 5-inning record: 4-9-1.

The D-backs found themselves swept on both sides of today’s split squad double-bill, with fairly weak line-ups in both games. Starting off at Salt River Fields, a pair of three-run homers did all the damage as the White Sox blanked the D-backs 6-0. They were allowed by Landon Sims and Joe Ross; the latter came in to relieve Daniel Eagan with two outs and two on in the second, and didn’t. The best of the relievers for Arizona was likely Andrew Hoffman who struck out three batters in a scoreless seventh. The Diamondbacks were held to four hits and two walks: Angel Ortiz had the only extra-base hit, a double, as the team went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.

Over in Maryvale, the team did at least pick up a five-inning win, leading 2-1 at that point. But the Brewers scored five unanswered runs to beat the D-backs 6-2. Mitch Bratt started, and walked four over 2.2 innings, but gave up just one run on one hit, with two strikeouts. Bryce Jarvis tossed two scoreless, but Juan Burgos, John Curtiss and Taylor Rashi allowed five runs on six hits and two walks, over their three frames. Gavin Conticello and Demetrio Crisantes each went 2-for-3, while DH Manuel Pena had a homer and drew a walk. LuJames Groover drove in Arizona’s other run with a groundout.

Tomorrow, it’s back to one game: that comes at Salt River Fields against the Giants, with a 1:10 pm first pitch, and Kohl Drake starting for the Diamondbacks.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending