WALLINGFORD, Conn. – Police have closed their investigation into the deaths of 19-year-old Karizmah Johnson and 9-month-old Kylenn (Jasir) Varnado, who were found dead inside a burning home on April 17, but authorities said some parts of the case remain under investigation.
At 6 p.m., firefighters and police responded to a fire at 25 Geneva Ave. and discovered Johnson and the baby deceased inside.
Justin Varnado, who was severely burned, was seen walking out of the house. He was airlifted to Bridgeport Hospital, where he later died.
Autopsies determined that Johnson and the infant died from homicidal asphyxia and their deaths were ruled homicides.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner estimated they were killed between two and seven days before the fire.
Authorities said Justin Varnado had been arrested on March 25, weeks before the fire, and charged with breach of peace in the second degree and risk of injury to a minor. He was held on a $5,000 bond and arraigned in Meriden.
A protective order was issued, barring him from the residence, and the Department of Children and Families was notified.
Wallingford police escorted Varnado to remove belongings from the home and warned him that violating the order would result in felony arrest. The next time officers were called to the address was the night of the fire.
During the investigation, police found a red gas can inside the home. Surveillance footage showed Varnado filling the container at a nearby gas station on April 17.
A witness reported smelling a strong odor coming from the apartment days before the fire and had not seen Johnson or the baby for nearly a week.
The witness also told police that Varnado was distraught and suicidal in the days leading up to the incident.
Investigators determined that Varnado killed Johnson and the baby before setting the fire and attempting to light himself on fire, ultimately causing his own death.
Police said some elements of the case remain open, and the Wallingford Police Detective Division, in coordination with the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office and Connecticut State Police, continues to investigate.
