HUTCHINSON –The state will continue to interview witnesses on Thursday in the trial of a Kansas teen accused of setting a fatal fire.

On Wednesday, the defendant’s father Steve Vonachen testified.

Samuel Vonachen is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and aggravated arson after allegedly setting a fire to his family’s home leaving his mother and sister trapped inside.

He was 14 at the time of the fatal fire in September 2013.

During cross examination Wednesday, the defense showed a video of Steve Vanochen’s interview with police just after the fire. He was very emotional.

He told detectives there was nothing out of the ordinary on the day of the fire.

He told police that a smoke alarm woke him and he came downstairs to a ring of fire. He said he tried to call 911 but the phone was not working.

He also testified that his son was a good student and had no emotional issues.

In addition to Steve Vanochen, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Agent Doug Monte testified of determining that the point of origin of the fire was at the front door and spread in a U shape around the stairs making it difficult for anyone upstairs to escape.
Later, Michelle Evans with an ATF lab in Maryland testified they found gasoline on the clothes of Samuel Vonachen, but not on his father’s clothing.

The trial is expected to last approximately ten days.