In the fall of 2018, the life of a young man, John Smathers, a 25-year-old Caucasian male, was tragically cut short in Billings, Montana. On November 21st, what began as a recreational drug experience with a friend spiraled into a fatal encounter. Smathers and his friend, 30-year-old William Kenney, had ingested psilocybin mushrooms and, as the effects intensified, they reportedly became overwhelmed, believing they were dying.
The hallucinogenic experience took a dark and irreversible turn when the two decided to shoot themselves. In the grip of their shared delusion, Kenney used a military-style AR-15 rifle. He first shot Smathers in the back of the head, a wound that would prove to be fatal. Shortly after, Kenney turned the weapon on himself, inflicting a gunshot wound to his own chin. He then lost consciousness.
The authorities were alerted, and upon their arrival, they discovered the grim scene.
John Smathers was pronounced dead, and an autopsy later confirmed the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head. William Kenney survived his self-inflicted injury and was subsequently arrested in connection with Smathers' death.
In the ensuing legal proceedings, William Kenney faced charges for the death of his friend. He ultimately pleaded guilty to negligent homicide. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors recommended a 25-year prison sentence for his role in the tragic and bizarre events that unfolded on that November day.
