TECUMSEH, Kan. — Authorities have identified the woman killed this week in a Shawnee County homicide as Jacqueline M. Madden, 38, of Tecumseh, while also releasing new information about the residence where she was found.
According to the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Madden was found critically injured late Tuesday, September 22, inside a residence at 3630 SE Shawnee Heights Road. She was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts by deputies and emergency medical personnel.
The Sheriff’s Office now says the residence was being used as a child-care business. Authorities emphasized that no children were inside the home at the time of the homicide.
Suspect and victim knew each other
Investigators have also confirmed that Madden and Jesse B. Varnon, 22, of Topeka, knew one another, although authorities have not publicly described the precise nature of their relationship.
Shortly before midnight Tuesday, Varnon allegedly approached deputies in the parking lot of the Law Enforcement Center in downtown Topeka and reported that a disturbance had occurred at the Shawnee Heights Road residence and that a woman there had suffered serious injuries.
Deputies immediately went to the home and found Madden suffering from life-threatening injuries. She could not be saved.
Varnon was subsequently taken into custody and booked Wednesday morning.
As we previously reported, Shawnee County booking records list allegations of first-degree murder in the commission of a felony, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, domestic battery, criminal damage to property and interference with law enforcement involving the alleged concealment, alteration or destruction of evidence. He was being held without bond.
Investigation continues
Authorities have not publicly disclosed Madden’s cause of death, a suspected motive, the weapon allegedly involved or additional details concerning what happened inside the residence.
The Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains ongoing.
Varnon’s arrest allegations are not convictions, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
This Is Topeka will continue following the case as additional investigative and court information becomes available.
