HUTCHINSON – The trial for a Kansas teen accused of setting a fire to the family home that killed his mother and 11-year-old sister has been continued indefinitely.

On Thursday, the defense for 15-year-old Sam Vonachen was granted a motion citing the defendant suffers from a mental defect.

Vonachen faces six counts, including two counts of first-degree murder for the September 2013 fatal fire.

In court Thursday, despite two evaluations citing no mental deficiency, Judge Trish Rose ruled that such a defense would be allowed.

The next hearing for Vonachen is now set for Sept. 28, at which time his mental state will be argued. Once that is done, Vonachen could be sent to Larned State Hospital for another evaluation. No trial date will be set until the conclusion of that hearing.

With Thursday’s ruling, prosecuting attorney Steve Maxwell informed the court that a plea offer made to the defendant August 13 was being withdrawn.

That offer would have had Vonachen plead guilty to two counts of first-degree murder with the other four counts dismissed.

Vonachen has declined the offer and, again, stated such in court on Thursday.