Jacqueline M. Madden, a 38-year-old woman from Tecumseh, Kansas, has been identified as the victim in a fatal Shawnee County homicide that remains under investigation.
Madden died after deputies responded to a reported disturbance at a residence on Southeast Shawnee Heights Road late Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Authorities said she was found inside the home with life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
What Happened to Jacqueline Madden?
The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were alerted to the incident at approximately 11:52 p.m. on September 22.
An adult man reportedly approached deputies in the parking lot of the Law Enforcement Center in Topeka and told them that a disturbance had occurred at a residence in the 3600 block of Southeast Shawnee Heights Road.
Deputies went to the property and found Madden suffering from severe injuries. Life-saving measures were attempted before emergency medical personnel arrived, but she was pronounced dead at the location.
Authorities have classified the case as a homicide.
Tecumseh Woman Identified as Victim
The sheriff’s office later identified the deceased woman as Jacqueline M. Madden, 38, of Tecumseh.
The residence where the incident occurred was being used as a child care business. Authorities confirmed that no children were inside the property when the fatal incident occurred.
The information released so far does not provide a detailed account of what led to the fatal injuries.
Jacqueline M. Madden at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Jacqueline M. Madden |
| Age | 38 |
| Hometown | Tecumseh, Kansas |
| County | Shawnee County |
| Date of incident | September 22, 2026 |
| Approximate time | 11:52 p.m. |
| Location | Southeast Shawnee Heights Road |
| Circumstances | Homicide investigation |
| Pronounced | Dead at the scene |
| Investigation | Ongoing |
Suspect Arrested in Connection With Death
Authorities identified the man who contacted deputies as Jesse B. Varnon, 22, of Topeka.
Varnon was taken into custody and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. The charges reported by authorities include first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, domestic battery, criminal damage to property and interference with law enforcement.
The sheriff’s office said Varnon and Madden knew each other.
The criminal allegations remain subject to the court process. An arrest or criminal charge is not a finding of guilt.
Investigation Into Madden’s Death Continues
Investigators have not released every detail surrounding the circumstances inside the residence.
The ongoing investigation is expected to establish the sequence of events that preceded Madden’s death and provide additional information as authorities determine what occurred.
At this stage, a specific medical cause of death beyond the fatal injuries reported by investigators has not been publicly detailed.
Remembering Jacqueline M. Madden
Madden’s death has brought a tragic loss to the Tecumseh community and the wider Shawnee County area.
Public reports concerning the homicide have focused primarily on the investigation, and limited information has been released about Madden’s personal life, family, career or community activities.
Details concerning funeral arrangements or a public memorial had not been included in the law enforcement reports reviewed for this update.
As investigators continue examining the case, additional information may become available through authorities, family announcements or funeral-home notices.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information released by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and current local news reports reviewed on September 24, 2026. The homicide investigation remains ongoing. Criminal charges mentioned in this report are allegations, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.