Jacqueline M. Madden, a 38-year-old woman from Tecumseh, Kansas, has died in a homicide that is under investigation by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office.
Madden was found with life-threatening injuries inside a residence on SE Shawnee Heights Road late Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Deputies attempted life-saving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Jacqueline Madden Identified as Homicide Victim
According to the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were alerted to a disturbance at approximately 11:52 p.m. on September 22 at 3630 SE Shawnee Heights Road.
An adult male reportedly went to the Law Enforcement Center and told authorities that a disturbance had occurred at the residence and that a woman inside had suffered serious injuries.
Deputies immediately went to the location and entered the residence, where they found Madden with life-threatening injuries.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but Madden could not be saved. Authorities subsequently identified her as a 38-year-old resident of Tecumseh.
Residence Was Used as a Child Care Business
The location where Madden was found was being used as a child care business, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities specifically said that no children were inside the home at the time of the incident.
This detail was included in the initial information released following the homicide as investigators continued working to establish exactly what happened inside the residence.
Suspect Taken Into Custody
The man who contacted authorities was identified as 22-year-old Jesse B. Varnon of Topeka.
Varnon was subsequently taken into custody at the Law Enforcement Center and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.
Authorities listed multiple charges against him, including first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, domestic battery, criminal damage to property and interference with law enforcement.
The sheriff’s office said the suspect and Madden were known to each other.
The charges are allegations, and the criminal case remains subject to the judicial process. An arrest or criminal charge does not by itself establish guilt.
Jacqueline M. Madden at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Jacqueline M. Madden |
| Age | 38 |
| Hometown | Tecumseh, Kansas |
| Incident location | SE Shawnee Heights Road, Shawnee County |
| Date of incident | September 22, 2026 |
| Reported time | Approximately 11:52 p.m. |
| Circumstances | Homicide investigation |
| Status | Pronounced deceased at the scene |
| Suspect | Jesse B. Varnon, 22 |
| Investigation | Ongoing |
Investigation Continues
The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Madden’s death.
Authorities have not publicly released every detail concerning the events that led to the fatal injuries. The investigation is expected to determine the sequence of events inside the residence and establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged homicide.
Because the case remains active, additional information could be released as investigators continue their work and the criminal proceedings move forward.
Remembering Jacqueline Madden
Madden’s death has brought tragedy to the Tecumseh community and the wider Shawnee County area.
At 38, her life ended during an incident that authorities are treating as a homicide. Details about her family, career, interests and funeral arrangements had not been included in the initial law enforcement report reviewed for this article.
Further information about memorial services or arrangements may be released by relatives or a funeral home.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information released by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and reported by local news media on September 24, 2026. The homicide investigation remains ongoing. Criminal charges mentioned in this report are allegations, and the accused is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.