Woman Identified as Victim in Shawnee County Homicide; Suspect Arrested
A homicide occurred in Shawnee County, Kansas, where Jacqueline M. Madden, 38, was identified as the victim. The incident took place at a residence used as a child care business located at 3630 SE Shawnee Heights Rd. Jesse B. Varnon,…

Topeka, KS, September 24, 2026 — A homicide investigation is underway in Shawnee County, Kansas, following the death of a woman identified as Jacqueline M. Madden, aged 38. The incident reportedly occurred at a residence located at 3630 SE Shawnee Heights Road. This location is noted to have been utilized as a child care business.
Authorities have arrested Jesse B. Varnon, 22, in connection with Madden’s death. The specific circumstances leading to the homicide and the relationship between Varnon and Madden were not immediately detailed in the information provided.
The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation. Further details regarding the timeline of events, the nature of the child care business, and the exact charges against Varnon are expected to be released as the investigation progresses. The number of individuals associated with the child care business at the time of the incident was not specified.
Official statements regarding the arrest and the ongoing investigation were not immediately available, beyond the identification of the victim and the suspect. Law enforcement officials are continuing to gather information and evidence related to the case. The medical examiner’s office will conduct an autopsy to determine the official cause of death for Jacqueline M. Madden. The suspect, Jesse B. Varnon, is currently in custody. The contractor’s name and the permit status of the child care business were not provided. The outcome of any inspections or any code violations were not detailed.
Story summarized from the original created by Shayn Jones on www.wibw.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
