Sep 26, 2026

Sheriff IDs Kansas woman who died in violent attack

Posted Sep 26, 2026 12:30 PM
Varnon photo Shawnee County
Varnon photo Shawnee County

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal domestic incident have identified the victim as Jacqueline M. Madden, 38, of Tecumseh, Kansas, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.

Just before noon Tuesday, Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office  deputies were flagged down by a man in the parking lot of the Law Enforcement Center, according to Christian.

The man reported that a disturbance had occurred at a residence in the 3600 block of SE Shawnee Heights Road and that a woman, later identified as Madden, inside the residence had suffered serious injuries.

Deputies immediately responded to the residence and made entry. Inside, they located Madden with life-threatening injuries. Deputies attempted life-saving measures until emergency  medical personnel arrived. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man who contacted deputies was identified as Jesse B. Varnon, 22, of Topeka. Varnon was subsequently taken into custody at the Law Enforcement Center and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the 1st degree, Aggravated burglary, Aggravated battery, Domestic battery, Criminal damage to property, Interference with law enforcement. 

Deputies released no additional details.