TOPEKA, Kan. — New information is emerging following the arrest of a Topeka woman booked over the weekend on a charge of first-degree murder and multiple related felonies.
As previously reported, Jeanne Elizabeth Estes, 54, was booked into custody on April 11 and is currently being held without bond. The booking report lists charges including first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, and other firearm-related offenses.
However, in a conversation with This Is Topeka, a man identifying himself as Drew Estes, who said he is Jeanne Estes’ husband, disputed the characterization of the incident as a homicide.
“She didn’t murder anyone,” he said. “Well, she tried to shoot me. Please say a prayer that she gets some help.”
Drew Estes indicated that no one was killed in the incident and suggested the murder charge may be related to how the case is being handled procedurally.
“Probably trying to hold longer. I don’t know,” he said when asked about the discrepancy between the charge and his account.
He also described ongoing struggles with addiction, stating that Jeanne Estes had not been seeking treatment prior to the incident.
“She is too far into her addiction and would not stop,” he said. “We are trying to find ways to get her the help she needs.”
At this time, law enforcement officials have not released additional details clarifying the circumstances behind the first-degree murder charge or whether it involves an alleged victim other than those referenced by the family.
The situation highlights the often complex intersection between criminal charges, mental health, and substance abuse—particularly in cases where initial booking information may not fully reflect the underlying facts.
No official affidavit or probable cause statement has been made publicly available as of this writing. It remains unclear whether additional charges may be amended or clarified as the case proceeds through the court system.
This remains a developing story.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, resources are available through the Kansas Substance Use Disorder Helpline at 866-645-8216.
If you have information related to this case, you can contact local law enforcement or reach out confidentially to This Is Topeka at [email protected].
