Vonachen
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Judge Trish Rose today granted another defense request to continue the trial for a Hutchinson teen accused of killing his mother and sister and attempting to kill his father.
Public Defender Kelly Driscoll, who was representing Samuel Vonachen, is apparently leaving the Public Defenders Office and the head of the local office, Sarah Sweet-McKinnon, is taking over the case. She told Judge Trish Rose Friday that she isn’t ready, so asked for additional time. Judge Rose granted the request and the new trial date is Sept. 21. There was some concern over the defendant’s right to a speedy trial, but the defendant waived that right Friday morning.
Vonachen was 14 at the time of the alleged crimes and is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two alternate counts of felony murder, attempted first-degree murder and aggravated arson.
He’s accused of setting fire to the family home back on Sept. 26, 2013, by pouring gas throughout the house, then lighting it. The blaze killed his mother, Karla Jo Vonachen, and his sister Audrey. The teen’s father was able to escape the fire.
He remains jailed on a $1,000,000 bond and is being housed out of county.