Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Reno County teen accused of killing his mother and sister and attemptingto kill his father will be tried as an adult.

Judge Patti Macke-Dick announced her ruling Tuesday morning in the case of Sam Vonachen, who was 14 years old at the time of the alleged crimes.

Vonachen faces two counts of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and aggravated arson. He is accused of setting fire to the family home on Sept. 26, 2013, by pouring gasoline throughout the house, then lighting it.

The blaze killed his mother, Karla Jo Vonachen; and sister Audry. The teen’s father was able to escape the fire.

With the ruling, the juvenile case is dismissed and new charges will be field. District Attorney Keith Schroeder says he plans to have formal charges filed by Tuesday afternoon.