Thomas Varvera: The Man Who Shot a Deputy and Set His House on Fire
On the morning of August 24, 2023, Thomas Varvera Jr. made a fateful decision that would change his life forever. He shot a deputy who was responding to a domestic disturbance call at his home, then set his house on fire and fled the scene. What followed was a massive manhunt that ended with a deadly shootout between Varvera and the police.
Who was Thomas Varvera Jr.? Why did he do what he did? How did the authorities track him down? And what happened in the final moments of his life? These are some of the questions that this article will attempt to answer, based on the available evidence and eyewitness accounts.
This is the story of Thomas Varvera Jr., the man who shot a deputy and set his house on fire.
The Background of Thomas Varvera Jr.
Thomas Varvera Jr. was born in Troy, Missouri on June 15, 1968. His parents Thomas Varvera Sr. and Mary Varvera, owned a farm in the rural area of Lincoln County and had two sisters, Lisa and Amy, who described him as a quiet and shy boy who loved animals and nature. He attended Troy Buchanan High School, where he played football and baseball. He graduated in 1986 and joined the Army, serving as a mechanic in Germany for four years. Returned to Troy in 1990 and married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer Smith. They had two children, Tyler and Ashley, and moved to a house on Creech School Road, near his parents’ farm.
Varvera worked as a truck driver for a local company, earning a decent income and providing for his family. He was also active in his community, volunteering as a firefighter and a youth coach. He gained a reputation as a friendly and helpful neighbor, always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. His hobbies are to enjoy hunting, fishing, and camping with his friends and family. He seemed to have a happy and stable life until things started to go wrong.
Early Warning Signs: Varvera’s Disturbing Transformation
According to his relatives and acquaintances, Varvera began to change in the early 2020s, becoming more withdrawn, paranoid, and aggressive. He started to abuse alcohol and drugs, particularly methamphetamine, sourced from a local dealer. Concurrently, he developed a fascination with guns and explosives, amassing a substantial arsenal of weapons and ammunition in his basement.
Varvera became obsessed with conspiracy theories, believing that the government, the media, and the police were all corrupt and out to get him. He often ranted about his views on social media, alienating many of his friends and family members. He also became abusive towards his wife and children, who eventually left him in 2022 and filed for divorce. Afterward, his ex-wife sued him for refusing to pay child support or alimony. He also lost his job, his house, and his reputation. He became isolated and bitter, blaming everyone else for his problems.
Varvera’s downward spiral reached its climax on August 24, 2023, when he decided to take his anger and frustration out on the world.
The Shooting Incident and the Manhunt
On August 24, 2023, around 6:45 p.m., Thomas Varvera Jr. was involved in a violent confrontation with the police at his home on Creech School Road in Troy, Missouri. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call and found Varvera outside the house. He opened fire at the officers, hitting one of them in the chest. The deputy, who was wearing a protective vest, survived the gunshot and was hospitalized in stable condition.
Varvera then set his house on fire and ran away on foot, leaving behind a trail of smoke and flames. He took refuge in a nearby shed, where he had stashed some of his weapons and explosives. The police surrounded the area and launched a massive manhunt, involving helicopters, dogs, and SWAT teams. They warned the residents to stay indoors and lock their doors, as Varvera was considered armed and dangerous.
The search lasted more than an hour until the police located Varvera in the shed. Despite attempts to negotiate with him, he adamantly refused to surrender. In response, he fired multiple shots at the officers, who retaliated with gunfire. The sound of a loud explosion was heard, followed by a sudden silence. The police entered the shed and found Varvera dead on the floor. He had multiple gunshot wounds and burns. The police said they were not sure if he killed himself or was killed by the officers.
The firefighters extinguished the fire at Varvera’s house, but it destroyed the house. No one else was inside the house at the time of the fire. The police recovered several firearms, ammunition, and explosive devices from the house and the shed. They also searched Varvera’s social media accounts and found several posts expressing his anti-government and anti-police views. They said they were investigating the motive behind Varvera’s actions.
Bottom Line
Thomas Varvera Jr. was a troubled man who went on a violent rampage, shooting a deputy and setting his house on fire. He died in a shootout with the police, leaving behind many unanswered questions and a devastated community.
