HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The trial for 15-year-old Sam Vonachen has been continued indefinitely after the defense was granted a motion citing the defendant suffers from a mental defect.
Vonachen faces six counts, including two counts of first-degree murder, in the death of his mother and sister. In court today, despite two evaluations citing no mental deficiency, Judge Trish Rose ruled that such a defense will be allowed, even though the motion was filed beyond the allowed state statutes, and that the defense had no ability to show just cause in court, according to arguments presented by the state.
With the motion 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 the motion ruled upon, prosecuting attorney Steve Maxwell informed the court that a plea offer made to the defendant Aug. 13 was being withdrawn.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 this morning.
Vonachen is accused of setting fire to the family home in September of 2013, killing his mother, Karla Jo Vonachen, and his sister, 11-year-old Audrey.