Categories: Breaking NewsCrimeGovernment NewsNewsPolitics

Fourth Lawsuit Filed in Kansas City Drug-Related Deaths

A reflective outdoor scene in Kansas City, evoking thoughts of the recent drug-related tragedies.

News Summary

A fourth wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Jordan Willis and Ivory Carson in connection with the overdose deaths of three men, including Ricky Johnson. The lawsuit, filed by Johnson’s mother, seeks damages for the drug-related fatalities that occurred after a Kansas City Chiefs game. Claims include negligence for providing fentanyl-laced cocaine and failing to summon help during the overdoses. This case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding drug-related deaths and accountability for suppliers of illegal substances.

Kansas City – A fourth wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Jordan Willis and Ivory Carson in connection with the drug-related deaths of three men, including Ricky Johnson, whose mother has now joined the growing list of plaintiffs seeking accountability. Norma Chester, the mother of the deceased, filed the lawsuit on behalf of Johnson’s three children, seeking damages related to the tragic incident that occurred following a gathering to watch a Kansas City Chiefs game on January 7, 2024.

Ricky Johnson, aged 38, was found dead in a Kansas City North home, along with two other men, David Harrington, 37, and Clayton McGeeney, 36. The bodies were discovered in the backyard two days after the gathering. Reports indicate that all three men ingested a combination of fentanyl and cocaine during the festivities, leading to their fatal overdoses. Chester’s lawsuit accuses Willis and Carson of providing these illegal drugs and alleges that they failed to alert the men that the cocaine was laced with fentanyl, a dangerous opioid.

The lawsuit asserts that the defendants exhibited negligence by supplying the lethal substances and not taking action when the three men began to overdose. Chester claims that if immediate help had been summoned, Johnson might have been saved. The suit is seeking damages that include funeral expenses as well as compensation for the loss of companionship, comfort, and support for Johnson’s family.

Chester’s legal actions follow similar lawsuits filed by the families of Harrington and McGeeney, both of whom have also sought justice for the deaths of their loved ones. In addition, Rickie Johnson, Ricky’s father, has filed his lawsuit against Willis and Carson, further underscoring the impact of this tragedy on the families involved.

Willis and Carson face serious legal repercussions, including charges of delivering a controlled substance and involuntary manslaughter. Both defendants have entered not guilty pleas to these charges. Chester’s lawsuit echoes allegations made in the other wrongful death claims, asserting that Willis and Carson had knowledge of the potential dangers associated with the drugs they provided.

Witness testimonies indicate that cocaine was ingested during the Chiefs game. Meanwhile, forensic investigators discovered a bag of cocaine containing mostly Willis’ DNA and a separate bag of fentanyl linked to Carson at the scene of the incident. On the night of the event, weather conditions dipped to a low of 33 degrees, exacerbating the already dire situation following the overdoses.

The tragic discoveries unfolded when McGeeney’s fiancée reported him missing, which led her to break into the home’s basement where the three bodies were later found. The Platte County Prosecutor’s Office has stated that drug suppliers can be held liable for overdose incidents, marking a crucial step in understanding accountability in drug-related fatalities.

A hearing for Chester’s lawsuit is scheduled for September 12, 2025, as the legal process continues to unfold. The series of lawsuits against Willis and Carson highlights the ongoing issues surrounding overdose deaths and the responsibilities of those providing illicit substances. As the families of the deceased pursue justice, the case brings attention to the widespread impact of drug-related deaths in communities across the nation, underscoring the need for vigilance and accountability in the fight against drug misuse and deaths stemming from overdoses.