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Jury: Kansas teen guilty of setting fire that killed his mother and sister

HUTCHINSON – Just after 2 p.m. on Wednesday the jury in the trial for a Kansas teen accused of the murder of his mother and sister found Sam Vonachen guilty on all counts including First Degree Murder, Attempted Murder and Aggravated Arson.

Vonachen used gasoline to ignite his family’s Hutchinson home in September 2013 when he was 14. The blaze killed 11-year-old Audrey Vonachen and their mother, 47-year-old Karla Jo Vonachen. His father escaped.

Sentencing in the case is scheduled for September 30.

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HUTCHINSON- The trial for a Kansas teen accused of the murder of his mother and sister is now in the hands of the jury.

Just before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, the jury got the case against Samuel Vonachen after both sides gave closing arguments.

The state again argued that this was a premeditated act with the defendant waiting for his parents and sister to go to bed, then went to the garage and grabbed a gas can and poured gas in a U shape around the stairs twice and set it on fire.

The state believes it was premeditated because Vanochen took the time to bring personal belongings out prior to setting the fire, including his base guitar and a blanket.

The defense argues that Vanochen suffered mental disease and defect. Attorneys showed the jury a video of Vanochen allegedly having a conversation with himself, but also asking an officer while in a police vehicle if anyone was hurt in the fire. They claim he suffered with disassociation disorder at the time the fire was set.

Prior to the closing the two sides argued over jury instructions and the defense argued for a reconsideration of a judgment of acquittal, which was denied.

They also asked for dismissal of the case claiming prosecutorial misconduct. Judge Trish Rose again denied the request.

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