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Justin Varnado, 24, is believed to have killed Karizmah Johnson and baby Kylenn (Jasir) between two and seven days before the fire on April 17, 2024, at a multi-family home at 25 Geneva Ave. home in Wallingford, authorities said.
When police arrived at the fire, they found Justin Varnado walking out of the home covered in severe burns. Paramedics rushed him to an area hospital, but he died of his injuries.
Lt. William Merriam said on Wednesday, March 19, that an autopsy showed Karizmah and her son were killed by homicidal asphyxia before Varnado set the blaze.
Police found surveillance video of Justin Varnado filling up a red gas canister near the home on the day of the fire, police said.
A witness who spoke to Justin Varnado days before the fire said the man was "distraught and suicidal." They lived in the same apartment building and could smell gas coming from the apartment where Varnado lived, police said.
Varnado was not supposed to be at the home any day before the blaze. Police arrested him on March 25, 2024, and charged him with breach of peace, risk of injury to a minor, and domestic violence, Wallingford police said.
Karizmah Johnson had taken an order of protection out against Varnado, and he was subject to arrest if he violated it, police said.
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