Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — District Judge Patty Macke-Dick will decide whether a 15 year old accused of killing his mother and 11-year-old sister and attempting to kill his father should be tried as an adult.

The hearing for Sam Vonachen, who was 14 years old at the time of the alleged crimes, started Monday morning and was over by mid-afternoon.

He 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 the two family members while the suspect’s father was able to escape. Audrey Vonachen was declared dead at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center shortly after the fire was extinguished. Karla Vonachen was transported to a hospital in Wichita and died later in the afternoon.

There is no timeline for the judge’s decision. The two sides are not allowed to comment due to a gag order issued in the case.