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Kansas City Chiefs Fan Falsely Accused in Super Bowl Parade Shooting Found Dead
A Kansas City Chiefs fan who was wrongly implicated as a gunman in the Super Bowl Parade shooting in 2024 has died. Denton Loudermill Jr., 49, was discovered deceased on Friday morning by his family, as confirmed by his attorney, Arthur Benson, to Fox4 news.
Details Surrounding Death Unclear
The cause of death is currently undetermined, according to reports from the news station. LaRonna Lassiter Saunders, another attorney representing Loudermill, issued a statement to Fox 4, expressing profound sorrow: “It is with significant sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Loudermill.”
Saunders added, “Further details will be shared in due course, but for now, we respectfully request that you respect the family’s privacy as they mourn this immense loss.”
False Accusation Following Super Bowl Rally Shooting
Loudermill was incorrectly identified in 2024 as a potential shooter during the tragic Chiefs Super Bowl victory rally on February 14 of the previous year. The celebratory parade became chaotic when gunfire erupted, perpetrated by two teenagers, resulting in injuries to 22 individuals and one fatality.
Misidentification and Online Harassment
The erroneous accusation against Loudermill stemmed from a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Republican Representative Tim Burchett, who falsely named Loudermill as the perpetrator.
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A photograph depicting Loudermill in handcuffs on a sidewalk circulated online. Burchett’s post labeled him an ‘illegal alien,’ which fueled further accusations across the internet alleging his involvement in the deadly shooting incident.
Clarification Regarding Police Interaction
However, Loudermill’s legal counsel clarified that his interaction with law enforcement was related to public intoxication and remaining within the crime scene perimeter, not participation in the shooting. He was subsequently released without being charged.
Speaking to KMBC at the time, Loudermill stated, “I just want to clear my name, that I had nothing to do with anything.” He further added, “I was simply hoping to enjoy myself like everyone else.”
Impact of False Accusation and Lawsuit
Loudermill asserted that Burchett’s post triggered death threats and significant emotional distress, including anxiety, agitation, and sleep disturbances.
He initiated legal action against the Republican representative, seeking $75,000 in damages. However, this lawsuit was dismissed in September by a federal judge. Jurisdictional issues were cited as the reason for dismissal. Reports indicate Loudermill, a resident of Olathe, Kansas, had filed the suit in Kansas rather than Missouri, where the lawmakers are based.
Account of Events at Shooting Scene
In his lawsuit, Loudermill recounted that he froze upon hearing gunfire and remained stationary amidst the unfolding chaos. He remained in place for such an extended period that police began cordoning off the area. As he attempted to leave, officers reportedly deemed him to be moving “too slow.”
Law enforcement officials then placed him in handcuffs and seated him on the curb, which is where the widely circulated photograph originated.
Defense Against False Shooter Claims
At the time of the incident, Saunders stated, “Mr. Denton had consumed alcohol, as had countless others present, including some Chiefs players. This is not a crime, nor does it equate to being a mass shooter.” Saunders further emphasized, “Mr. Denton has been subjected to death threats due to a falsehood, due to misinformation. He committed no wrongdoing. He did not commit any crime.”
She urged, “Please, disseminate this information. Reveal the truth. Help us exonerate him. Help us safeguard his life.”
Litigation to Continue Following Death
Attorney Benson informed news outlets that despite Loudermill’s death, the legal proceedings initiated on his behalf will persist.
Saunders’ statement further emphasized, “While the family grieves, we want to unequivocally state that this matter is not concluded. Mr. Loudermill should not have spent his final days burdened by stress and fighting against a lie that went viral. This was due to the reckless and insensitive actions of a Congressman, Missouri senators, and social media personalities who neglected to verify the truth before devastating a man’s life.”
Saunders concluded, “If you perceived determination previously, you have not yet witnessed anything!”
Super Bowl Parade Shooting Aftermath
The shooting incident near Union Station transpired despite a significant police presence, estimated to be over 800 officers stationed within and around the area, including elevated positions, according to Mayor Quinton Lucas.
Tragically, Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a mother of two, lost her life in the shooting. Twenty-two others sustained injuries from gunfire during the rally outside Union Station. Victims ranged in age from 8 to 47 years old, with half being under the age of 16.
Victim Identified as Lisa Lopez-Galvan
Radio station KKFI-FM identified the deceased woman as Lisa Lopez-Galvan, host of ‘Taste of Tejano.’ Known as ‘Lisa G’ professionally, Lopez-Galvan was described by childhood friends Rosa Izurieta and Martha Ramirez as an outgoing and devoted mother from a well-known Latino family in the region.
Community Impact and Personal Account
Local Democrat Manny Abarca, a friend of Lopez-Galvan’s, discussed her impact in an interview. “It’s a devastating situation. I was present with my six-year-old daughter, Camilla, and our experience shifted from enjoying confetti to seeking refuge in a restroom, uncertain of our fate. Regrettably, this reflects the current state of large-scale events in America.”