Kansas
Kansas City Chiefs fans deaths: 'Walter White narrative' about party host is 'out of control,' source says
Despite claims to the contrary, Kansas City Chiefs fan Jordan Willis was not nicknamed “the chemist” for manufacturing drugs in high school, a source close to him told Fox News Digital, shooting back at theories implicating the career scientist in his three friends’ deaths.
Clayton McGeeney, 36, Ricky Johnson, 38, and David Harrington, 37, were discovered frozen and dead in his Kansas City backyard on Jan. 9, two days after they were all last seen alive inside Willis’ house for an NFL watch party.
The men’s loved ones have come forward with theories that Willis played an active role in their demise, with McGeeney’s cousin Caleb McGeeney telling NewsNation that “all [Willis’] friends knew him” as “the chemist.”
“Jordan’s ‘the chemist,’ bro. Jordan’s ‘the chemist,’” Caleb McGeeney said. “It was easy for them to go have fun, but he f—ed up, he made a mistake.”
But the source close to Willis insisted that he had never been referred to by that name, and that the career scientist is “not a chemist by trade.”
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)
“He’s a computational data scientist for HIV vaccine research. His work is solely on computers and he works from home,” the source told Fox News Digital on Monday.
“It is incredibly disappointing that his job is being used against him to further the real-life Walter White-type narrative that people are trying to create,” the source said, referring to Bryan Cranston’s TV character in AMC drama Breaking Bad, a dispirited high school science teacher who uses his chemistry knowledge to become a drug lord after a stage-three cancer diagnosis.
The source also remarked that Willis came from a military family with loving parents who “most definitely” would have noticed and intervened if he was “making drugs in the house in high school.”
“Ruining Jordan’s reputation and his life in a smear campaign as some sort of revenge will not bring these families peace, especially without any evidence from the police department to support what they are saying,” the source said.
Moreover, the source accused the family members of shifting their story, remarking that “grief is not an open-ended excuse to say whatever you want in a public forum without consequences.”
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FANS DEATHS: DRUGS IN MEN’S SYSTEMS SHOW ‘THERE’S MORE TO THE STORY,’ FAMILY SAYS
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)
“At first they said they don’t know Jordan, that the men didn’t do drugs, so they must have been murdered, or poisoned or dragged out of the house, or they must have seen something they shouldn’t have seen,” the source close to Willis said Monday. “Then when initial toxicology came out, it was that they would have been peer pressured.”
“Now, out of nowhere, the story is that the men have known him since high school as ‘the chemist’ and Jordan has supplied or made drugs for them since then. Which is it? It’s completely absurd,” they continued.
The Kansas City Police Department has asserted that there is no foul play suspected in their deaths, telling Fox News Digital that they are “100 percent not being investigated as homicide[s].”
But family members of the three deceased men have questioned how Willis managed not to notice the men’s three bodies feet from his back porch – Willis’ attorney has claimed that his client was sleeping for much of the period between when he allegedly saw the three men out his front door and when McGeeney’s fiancée found one of the men’s bodies outside and alerted police.
Ricky Johnson’s brother Jonathan Price questioned how a man who is “responsible enough to gain a Ph.D.” in “what seems like a very complicated science” could “sleep all day on a Monday” in an interview with Fox & Friends last month.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FANS’ DEATHS: VICTIMS’ FAMILIES AT ODDS OVER ‘ANGRY’ SPECULATION, LAWYER SAYS
Family and friends of Clayton McGeeney, left, David Harrington, center, and Ricky Johnson, right, are clamoring for answers after the three men inexplicably died in freezing temperatures outside their friend’s Kansas City home. (Facebook)
Willis graduated with a Ph.D. in chemical and physical biology from Vanderbilt University in 2014, his attorney John Picerno has confirmed to Fox News Digital. He previously studied chemistry and molecular biology at Northwest Missouri State University.
According to an interview that Willis gave to the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative’s website in 2022, he is the senior principal scientist at the IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center in Kansas City.
But on Monday, the source close to Willis told Fox News Digital that “anyone who can’t imagine how he could have been totally out of it and sleeping and not aware of his surroundings for two days is, fortunately, not familiar with what a drug and alcohol bender looks like.”
“He’s lucky to be alive,” the source said of Willis.
PRELIMINARY TOXICOLOGY RESULTS BACK FOR KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FANS FOUND FROZEN TO DEATH
An exterior view of the backyard and porch of Jordan Willis’s home in Kansas City, Missouri on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. The bodies of Willis’ three friends – Ricky Johnson, Clayton McGeeney, and David Harrington – were found in Willis’ backyard, with one body found on the porch, on Jan. 9, 2024, two days after attending a Kansas City Chiefs watch party at the home. (DWS for Fox News Digital)
While many Chiefs fans spent Sunday evening celebrating their team’s Super Bowl win with a beer in hand, Willis was at an inpatient rehab facility, a source close to his family previously told Fox News Digital. He allegedly checked into the program soon after his friends’ deaths, but continues to cooperate with police, the source said.
“Jordan went to rehab because he wanted to save his own life. This was not a legal strategy – it was a wake-up call,” the source said on Monday. “Having three close friends pass away outside his house without his knowledge was a true rock-bottom moment and something he’ll be working through for the rest of his life.”
The source said Willis has struggled with alcoholism and depression throughout his adult life. His bad habits lessened when he lived around “like-minded scientists” in San Diego while completing his post-doctorate, the source said. But the 38-year-old allegedly backslid when he moved back to Kansas City to care for his father, who has a mid-stage Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
“Moving back to Kansas City hasn’t been good for his mental and physical health, and he’d slipped back into old habits after feeling more isolated working from home,” the source said. “He started spending more time with his high school friends when he moved back, after being gone for over 10 years.”
“Grief is not an open-ended excuse to say whatever you want in a public forum without consequences.”
Findings of a preliminary toxicology report shared with the men’s family members indicate that THC, cocaine and lethal levels of fentanyl were found in their systems. But Harrington’s stepmother told NewsNation that these findings didn’t bring their family closure:
“What matters is that he didn’t take that to die,” his stepmother Theresa Harrington told NewsNation. “He didn’t take that to die – if he took the drugs on his own, he took them to get high.”
But on Monday, the source close to Willis insisted that “these men all made poor decisions that evening.”
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“I’m angry that this happened and I’m really sorry that these men lost their lives,” the source said. “But as a friend wanting to protect him and help him back to the right path, no one deserves this kind of viciousness in a case that is still under investigation for all the world to see.”
“There’s a plausible, extremely likely explanation for why he never knew they were out there that people don’t seem to get,” the source continued.
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 Willis’ house alive on the night of Jan. 7.
Kansas
Tyler Reddick needs OT at Kansas to claim fifth win of NASCAR season
It’s still more than a week until May, but Tyler Reddick already has racked up a fistful of wins.
The 23XI Racing hotshoe passed Kyle Larson in overtime to win the NASCAR Cup Series’ AdventHealth 400 on Sunday afternoon in Kansas City, Kansas, for his fifth victory in nine races.
After Cody Ware spun while leader Denny Hamlin and second-place Reddick were coming to the white flag for the race’s only caution for cause, the field pitted to set up a green-white-checker finish in overtime at Kansas Speedway.
From third, Larson charged past Hamlin on the restart to claim the lead. But second-place Reddick used his No. 45 Toyota to fly by Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet in Turn 1 after the white flag.
He held on to beat the Hendrick Motorsports driver by 0.118 seconds for his 13th career win and become the first driver since Dale Earnhardt in 1987 to claim five of a season’s first nine races.
Reddick also won for the fourth time in a row when being the polesitter — a run that began Feb. 22 in Atlanta and included victories at Circuit of The Americas and Darlington.
Reddick appeared doomed with a few laps left when he screamed over the radio that he was out of gas, which allowed Hamlin to make what appeared to be the winning pass for the lead.
However, Ware’s spin sent the cars to pit road one last time.
“Just really blessed with the late caution,” said Reddick, who led only 10 laps and spun a Toyota stablemate in overtime’s frantic finish. “Not thrilled that I got Christopher Bell. … These late-race restarts get really crazy. Obviously, I had a run on the 5, and I was just shocked to get to his inside.”
Larson’s car would not turn in the corners.
“It all worked out great, but I was plowing in (Turns) 3 and 4,” said Larson, the race’s defending winner who became the track’s all-time lap leader — he paced 78 of them — but had his winless streak stretch to 33 races. “Reddick was really good there (at the end).”
Chase Briscoe, Hamlin and Bubba Wallace completed the first five finishers.
A Toyota won for the sixth time in the past 11 races at the Midwest speedway.
Polesitter Reddick, Hamlin and Briscoe showed Toyota supremacy early with the first two drivers swapping the lead. Then Hamlin stormed away to a 1.25-second lead 15 circuits into the 267-lap race.
Hamlin lapped up to the 21st-place car — Todd Gilliland — as drivers such as Joey Logano, Kyle Busch and Ross Chastain all were put a lap down. Larson was able to pass Reddick, but Hamlin claimed the 80-lap Stage 1 over Larson followed by Reddick, Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell.
In the second segment, Larson began to assert himself. He immediately snatched the point from Hamlin and led until Lap 125 when he, Hamlin, Chase Elliott and Reddick pitted to split Stage 2’s 85 laps.
The completion of the second stage also was rather tame. Larson claimed the segment followed by Hamlin, Reddick, Elliot and Bell as the only problems were drivers having minor setbacks with tires.
The only cautions through the first two stages were for stage-breaks, not incidents.
On Lap 175 shortly after the restart for the run to the race’s end, Bell maneuvered by Hamlin for the lead. Wallace and Reddick rounded out a four-car Camry train with six of the top nine being Toyotas.
Running third to leader Bell and Reddick, Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Briscoe began the cycle of pits with 52 laps remaining to set up the finish while Reddick and Bell waited five more circuits for service.
Kansas
Kansas Governor signs Caleb’s Law, targeting online sextortion of minors
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed Caleb’s Law, strengthening penalties for online sexual extortion targeting children.
Governor Kelly says the law is named after Caleb Moore, a 14-year-old from El Dorado, who died by suicide after becoming a victim of an online sextortion scheme.
What the Law Does
Caleb’s Law expands Kansas’s existing sexual extortion statute in three key ways:
- Broadens the definition of sexual extortion to include threats involving explicit images – including AI-generated or digitally altered images
- Increase criminal penalties when an adult offender targets a minor or a dependent adult
- Creates two felony offenses: aggravated sexual extortion causing great bodily harm and aggravated sexual extortion causing death
Under the new law, sexual extortion involving a minor or dependent adult is elevated from a severity level 7 to a severity level 6 person felony for coercive intent cases.
The legislation also elevates a level 4 to a level 3 person felony when the victim is caused to produce or distribute sexual content.
Statewide Education Requirements
House Bill 2537 also directs the Kansas Attorney General to lead a statewide public education effort on sextortion. The AG’s office will:
- Prepare and distribute educational materials for schools, students, parents and the public
- Collaborate with the Kansas State Board of Education and law enforcement agencies
- File an annual report beginning July 1, 2027, to the Governor, legislative leadership and the State Board of Education on implementation progress
The Attorney General’s Office estimates the education effort will require two new positions at a cost of around $213,900 from the State General Fund, rising to an estimated $20,300 in 2028.
In Their Own Words
Gov. Kelly said the law reflects the state’s commitment to keeping pace with digital threats facing children.
“Protecting Kansas children means staying ahead of the evolving threats they face, especially in an increasingly digital world where exploitation can happen in an instant,” she said. “By prioritizing education and awareness, Caleb’s Law ensures that young people, families, and educators have the tools to recognize sexual extortion and seek help before it’s too late. By signing this bill, we’re honoring Caleb’s life by shining a light on this growing danger and taking meaningful action to prevent future tragedies.”
Rep. Bob Lewis (R-Garden City), who introduced the bill, added that it earned unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers.
“Our kids are our future and protecting them from online predators, who are increasingly dangerous and sophisticated, must be a top legislative priority,” he stated. “I’m therefore pleased that the governor is signing Caleb’s Law, which I introduced and received unanimous, bipartisan support in both legislative chambers. What happened to Caleb is tragic and must be stopped.”
Rep. Dan Osman (D-Overland Park) credited Caleb Moore’s family for pushing the legislation forward.
“Sexual extortion in any form should never be tolerated, but children under the age of 18 are particularly vulnerable,” he added.
The Kansas Attorney General’s Office also voiced strong support, noting the law addresses one of the state’s most urgent child safety threats.
“HB 2537 is a critical measure to protect Kansans from sexual exploitation and ensure public awareness and education on this growing threat,” said Sarah Hortenstine, Division Chief of Youth Services, Kansas Office of the Attorney General.
Legislative Timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Jan. 23 | Bill introduced, referred to House Committee on Judiciary |
| Feb. 5 | House committee hearing held |
| Feb. 16 | Committee recommends passage |
| Feb. 18 | House passes bill unanimously |
| Feb. 25 | Referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary |
| March 17 | Senate committee hearing held |
| March 18 | Senate committee recommends passage |
| March 19 | Senate passes bill unanimously |
The bill received unanimous, bipartisan support in both chambers – with no recorded opposition.
Background: What Is Sextortion?
Officials noted that sextortion is a form of online exploitation in which offenders coerce victims – often minors – into producing sexual images.
Those bad actors then use the images to demand more content, money, or sexual acts, according to investigators.
State leaders said cases can escalate rapidly, and the resulting trauma has led to severe psychological harm and, in some cases, suicide.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
For mental health support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.
Kansas
Kansas Losing Momentum With Key Transfer Target After New Visits
Since losing Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller in the transfer portal, Bill Self has been tasked with rebuilding his frontcourt from the 2025-26 campaign. While he has landed former Utah forward Keanu Dawes to succeed Tiller at the four, the Jayhawks’ roster still lacks a true center to replace Louisville commit Bidunga.
One player KU had hoped to add was Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam, who tormented the Jayhawks when the two schools met this past February. However, the chances of him committing to play in Lawrence appear to be dwindling by the day.
The Senegal native recently wrapped up a trip to St. John’s and is set to visit Ann Arbor on Monday to meet with the defending champions, Michigan.
Source: Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam will visit Michigan on Monday.
Recently visited St. John’s.
Averaged 12.8 PPG and 7.1 RPG last season.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 19, 2026
Kansas was initially supposed to be one of the top schools involved in Thiam’s recruitment, but that hasn’t necessarily been the case. The Jayhawks have been relatively quiet so far and haven’t gained much traction toward securing an official visit.
Not only is Michigan a recruiting powerhouse coming off a national title win under second-year head coach Dusty May, but it also boasts one of the largest NIL collectives in the NCAA. If the Wolverines are seriously pursuing Thiam, it likely means he will come at a hefty price tag.
KU is expected to increase the NIL budget this year to handle its roster deficiencies from the past few seasons. Regardless, the program must be strategic with its spending, especially with the decision of 2026 prospect Tyran Stokes still looming.
Who Are Kansas’ Alternatives to Moustapha Thiam?
If the Jayhawks are unable to land Thiam, there are a few alternatives on the open market. Those options may not carry the same hype as the 7-foot-2 phenom, who is ranked as the No. 3 center in 247 Sports’ transfer rankings, but they could still provide solid production nonetheless.
One name to watch is Anton Bonke, another towering big man who has spent time at Providence and most recently Charlotte. He visited KU’s campus earlier this week alongside Dawes and remains a viable option.
Another possible solution could come from within if Paul Mbiya decides to withdraw from the transfer portal and return to Kansas. The incoming sophomore flashed his potential during the postseason and is reportedly open to rejoining the program.
Finally, FC Barcelona center Sayon Keita is an international prospect who could make his college decision within the next month or two. He took an official visit to Kansas last July.
Whoever ultimately replaces Bidunga, Self will need to act quickly before the remaining top targets come off the board. Bringing back Mbiya and adding a transfer would be a strong start.
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