Midwest
Two charged in Kansas City Chiefs fans' deaths 14 months after bodies found frozen in backyard
Two arrests have been made in connection with the deaths of three Kansas City Chiefs fans who were found frozen in their friend’s snowy Kansas City, Missouri, backyard after an NFL watch party more than a year ago.
“After an investigation of nearly 14 months, two suspects are now facing felony charges in Platte County, including involuntary manslaughter, related to the deaths of three Chiefs fans in January of 2024,” the Kansas City Missouri Police Department said during a press conference on Wednesday.
Jordan Willis and Ivory J. Carson have been charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of delivery of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid, according to court records obtained and reviewed by Fox News Digital.
Court records indicate that Carson, who went by “Blade Brown,” supplied and sold cocaine to Willis and the victims, and that his DNA was found on a bag of fentanyl.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FANS’ MYSTERIOUS DEATHS YET TO BE RESOLVED A YEAR LATER
From left: Clayton McGeeney, Ricky Johnson and David Harrington. (Fox News Digital)
“KCPD detectives never stopped working on the case, waiting for all the facts to come in. Reaching this point is a testament to their dedication to delivering justice for the victims and their loved ones,” Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said.
Willis is the longtime friend of Clayton McGeeney, 37; Ricky Johnson, 38; and David Harrington, 36, who were visiting his home in Kansas City on Jan. 7, 2024, to watch the Chiefs play the Los Angeles Chargers.
Two days later, the three men were found dead on Willis’ property by McGeeney’s fiancée. Willis could not be reached by phone and did not answer his door in the days afterward, according to family members who searched for the three friends who never returned home.
However, Willis told police he had no idea any of his friends were dead outside and that he hadn’t heard from any of their friends or family members.
Although preliminary autopsy results shared with the media by family members indicate that fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana were in their systems, the deceased men’s families have questioned Willis’ involvement in what happened, with some threatening to file lawsuits.
Willis’ attorney, John Picerno, told Fox News Digital that he was “surprised that Jordan was charged with the deaths of his three friends.”
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FANS’ DEATHS: WHY FORMER HOMICIDE DETECTIVE BELIEVES CRIMINAL CHARGES STILL POSSIBLE
Court records indicate Ivory J. Carson supplied and sold cocaine to Jordan Willis and the victims, and that his DNA was found on a bag of fentanyl. (Platte County Missouri Sheriff’s Office)
“That was contrary to what the prosecuting attorney’s office told me several months ago,” Picerno said.
“The probable cause statement submitted by the State is consistent with what Jordan stated happened. Jordan maintains that he is not responsible for purchasing or supplying the drugs that led to the deaths of his three friends. We are very much looking forward to the day a jury gets to hear all of the evidence in this case.”
According to court records, Jordan Willis has been charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of delivery of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid. (Platte County Missouri Sheriff’s Office)
Willis, who moved out of his Kansas City home and enrolled into a rehabilitation program after his friends’ deaths, has had his “life changed forever,” Picerno previously said.
A source close to the Willis family told Fox News Digital previously that the 39-year-old Ph.D. holder and research scientist “still struggles with the aftermath of all of this.”
“[He] not only lost good friends of his, but [had] many people turn on him,” the source said.
“It affected every part of his life, and he’s doing the best he can,” the source continued. “He has been helping with his dad’s care this year, and trying to stay positive.”
It was not immediately clear if Carson had retained a lawyer.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — “It’s difficult to call the Battle Line Rivalry a true rivalry when Arkansas has won just twice since Missouri joined the SEC.”
Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz has made this one matter even more for the Tigers during his time in Columbia due to his Natural State roots.
The Alma native is 5-1 against his home-state with three victories coming by seven points or less.
Silverfield has watched the Razorbacks from just across the river in Memphis, and has noticed a pattern in most of the losses over the years. Turnovers have been a major issue in this series through the years.
Whether it was the Alex Collins fumble in 2014, a blown 24-7 halftime lead in 2016, a 48-45 shootout loss in 2017, allowing Missouri to drive 60 yards in 43 seconds for a walk-off field goal by Harrison Mevis in 2020, or letting Brady Cook sprint 30 yards untouched during the Snowmaggedon game in 2024, the Razorbacks have been allergic to holding onto fourth quarter leads against the Tigers.
The biggest curse of all was Arkansas’ game against Missouri was scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend, which effectively replaced the Battle of the Golden Boot against LSU. Despite not playing on an annual basis prior to joining the SEC, this game became quite the underrated rivalry not only in the SEC, but nationally with eight games coming down to the final possession from 2005-2013.
Talent Advantage: Missouri
When it comes to talent on the field, this might be Drinkwitz’s deepest team since his arrival at Missouri in 2020. The Tigers have a total of 43 former 4-star prospects and 25 who were rated as 3-stars during their recruitment, according to the Razorbacks on SI offseason Tracker.
Between Austin Simmons at quarterback, Ahmad Hardy in the backfield, Ben Norfleet at tight end and wide receiver Donovan Olugbode there is plenty of firepower to create mismatches in space. Then, Missouri’s defense is fairly deep with linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez, safety Santana Banner and defensive lineman Darris Smith.
The Tigers can bring the heat to opposing backfields, field a standout secondary and always seem to have instinctive, hard hitting linebackers. Drinkwitz’s best year came in 2023 with an 11-3 overall record but have yet to officially breakthrough in the SEC.
And with this roster, it’s either time for the Tigers to solidify its place among SEC brethren in 2026 season, or continue its slow path back to mediocrity within the league.
A talent advantage alone won’t always win teams ball games, but one that plays disciplined and understands how to control momentum throughout a game can find ways to win.
The Razorbacks have held the talent edge several times over the years, but still suffered defeat in 2016, 2017 and 2022. Since Missouri joined the SEC, their teams have played with confidence that kept them in games they had no business winning.
Former National Championship winning coach Urban Meyer once said, “Leave no doubt” when it comes to winning at the Power Conference level. Maybe it’s Arkansas’ turn to have a coach whose players are ready to run through a wall for in Silverfield this fall.
The Silverfield Mindset
There’s something to be said about a coach who can motivate his team for the biggest of challenges and overcoming talent deficiencies.
Any team can have the Jimmys and Joes but it all comes down to execution, and that’s something that Arkansas has struggled with over the past several years. Silverfield believes a lot of Arkansas’ struggles came down to a culture of losing, which is something he’ll have to cleanse it of this offseason.
“We’ve had one Power Four win at home the last three years,” Silverfield said in an appearance on McElroy And Cubelic In The Morning radio show earlier this spring. “We have to play more disciplined football. Arkansas has not done a great job with penalties, pre-snap, post-snap, dead ball. Taking care of the football, ball security. That’s been part of some of the failures here.”
Silverfield understands Arkansas’ quickest path to improvement begins with eliminating self-inflicted mistakes. After all, the program is just 17-49 in one possession games since 2012.
Arkansas was close last season to being a very good team last year, but weren’t able to do the small things needed to win games.
The Razorbacks finished last season ranked No. 125 in turnover margin (-11), No. 121 in third down defense (45%), No. 99 in sacks allowed, No. 126 in penalties (7.8 per game) and No. 112 in total penalties showed that a change in leadership was sorely needed.
And the truth is, the Razorbacks might’ve found the right man for the job going into 2026. Arkansas has been close time and time again.
With this game being played on Halloween this fall, it’s possible Arkansas can practice its Houdini act and put the struggles against Missouri behind them once and for all.
Hogs on SI Season Preview Series
North Alabama: Why Week One Matters More Than It Should
Utah: Silverfield Doesn’t Know What Razorbacks Are, Utes Will Provide Answers
Georgia: Razorbacks Might Not Beat Georgia, But Offer Test Kirby Smart Didn’t Expect
Texas A&M: Can Hogs’ Rebuilt Defense Slow Down Marcel Reed?
Tennessee: Razorbacks Must Reclaim Homefield Advantage Against Tennessee
Vanderbilt: Arkansas Might Be Catching Vanderbilt at Right Time in 2026
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North Dakota
In ‘last chapter,’ North Dakota son who made ultimate sacrifice in World War II comes home
DAHLEN, N.D. — A spectacular summer day with blue skies, puffy clouds and a light breeze served as a perfect backdrop for the homecoming for a North Dakota hero of World War II.
Hundreds of people came to pay respects to U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Irvin C. Ellingson on Saturday, June 20, in his hometown of Dahlen, North Dakota, 55 miles northwest of Grand Forks.
His funeral and burial were the culmination of three days worth of ceremonies, remembrances and celebrations for the extended Ellingson family, friends and community members.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Brittany Jallo, a great niece to Ellingson, said the family has never let him be forgotten.
“It’s so surreal, it’s like I’m smiling and crying at the same time,” she said.
Terry Ellingson, one of Irvin’s nephews, said they can finally put him to rest alongside other family members.
“It’s a real gift to us, and it’s something that we don’t have to keep wondering about anymore,” he said.
Contributed / Lon Enerson
This was a day many prayed for
but feared might never come.
Ellingson, then 25, was working as a radar operator aboard a B-29 Superfortress that had completed a combat mission over Tokyo when it was fired upon by a Japanese fighter plane on April 14, 1945.
He and other crewmen parachuted safely, only to be captured by the Japanese military and held as prisoners of war. The American POWs in the Tokyo military prison died tragically six weeks later when a fire, sparked by U.S. bombing runs and high winds, swept through the wooden building.
Contributed
Positive identification of remains seemed almost impossible. But almost exactly one year ago, with the work of
forensic anthropologists using advanced DNA technology
and persistence by family members, it happened.
Lon Enerson, another of Ellingson’s nephews, spearheaded the years-long effort and plans to finally bring Ellingson’s remains back home.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Enerson, now living in St. Cloud, Minnesota, grew up a few miles from the farmstead where Ellingson was born and raised.
He’s been trying to write a book about his uncle Irvin for four years.
“The book’s on hold, of course. I never knew we’d get this last chapter,” he said.
Ellingson’s remains arrived at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu, Hawaii, early Wednesday, where family members waited on the tarmac.
“It was such an intimate experience for all of us, something that I’ll never forget, really,” Enerson said.
A contingent of law enforcement officers and motorcyclists escorted his remains north.
On Thursday, another convoy brought Ellingson’s remains
from the Fargo Air Museum to Grand Forks
for a ceremony featuring Gov. Kelly Armstrong, Sen. John Hoeven and Rep. Julie Fedorchak.
A family celebration on a rural Nelson County farmstead filled the day Friday leading up to Saturday’s farewell.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
At Dahlen Lutheran Church, one of Ellingson’s dress uniforms was on display in his open casket, with his wrapped remains situated toward the top.
His remains, and those of 61 other U.S. servicemen who perished in the Tokyo military prison fire,
first arrived at a forensic lab in Honolulu
in spring of 2022, where the painstaking work of identification began.
Many Ellingson family members contributed DNA to assist in that process.
Two forensic anthropologists from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, working in that lab in Hawaii, helped identify Ellingson’s remains.
The family grew so close to Kristen Grow and Melissa Menschel,
they invited them to Ellingson’s farewell. To many family members’ surprise, the two women were able to make the trip.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
“Everybody keeps thanking us, but we thank them for allowing us to be part of this process, for them having that persistence in the beginning, and then trusting us with this profound responsibility,” Grow said.
“We don’t interact very often with families unless they come to our lab, and so this is a rare opportunity for us … so we said we can’t miss it,” Menschel said.
The funeral featured music and scriptural readings from many extended Ellingson family members.
Enerson played the trumpet in several orchestral arrangements, and four other Ellingson nephews sang beautiful harmonies.
In the homily, Pastor Val Teppo spoke of the letters Ellingson wrote home to his family, saying it was time for him to get home.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
“Today isn’t the homecoming I am sure he was envisioning then when he wrote those letters, but more than 80 years later, Irvin is indeed coming home,” Teppo said.
Col. James Schlabach, commander of the 91st Missile Wing at the Minot Air Force Base, spoke of how Ellingson, at age 22, during the deadliest conflict in history, raised his right hand and said he was ready to serve.
“What I’d like to do as a final thank you on behalf of a grateful nation, a grateful U.S. military, is offer Staff Sgt. Irvin Ellingson one final salute,” Schlabach said.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
He left the lectern, approached the casket, and fired off a sharp, solemn salute.
Attendees loaded onto buses for the convoy to Middle Forest River Cemetery, just a few miles away on gravel roads.
First, the silver hearse carrying Ellingson’s casket had an important stop.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
It was driven onto the farmstead where Irvin once lived with his parents, Tommy and Ella Ellingson, and seven siblings — the place where the family spent many waking hours, wondering whether Irvin would ever come home.
The old farmhouse is no longer but the property is still very much in the family, as Ellingson’s great niece Brittany Jallo, her husband and children built a home there.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
The hearse circled the driveway and paused, looking out onto the rolling hills and creeks for one final farewell, as children waved American flags and a family member in Marine Corps blues stood at attention.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
The convoy proceeded to the cemetery for final military honors, which included the flyover of a B-52, a long-range strategic bomber from Minot Air Force Base.
With attendees craning their necks toward the sky, the plane’s wide wings appeared a stark contrast to fluffy clouds as it flew by.
At the conclusion, one attendee who said he wasn’t a family member, thanked Enerson and everyone involved for what he described as “an experience of a lifetime.”
Chris Flynn / The Forum
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