Vonachen
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The defense for a Hutchinson teen accused of killing his mother and sister is requesting more time for a the disclosure of a report from an expert they hired.
The court has allowed the defense for Samuel Vonachen to file a notice of mental disease or defect as a defense when the case goes to trial. His attorney, John Henderson says that they have hired an expert, but given her schedule and prior obligations, she won’t be able to meet with Vonachen until early next month so the report won’t be ready by Sept. 28. He’s asking for it to be extended to Oct. 26.
Vonachen is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and aggravated arson. Authorities allege Vonachen, who was 14 years old at the time, spread gas through the downstairs of his family’s home, then set it on fire. This occurred back on Sept. 26, 2013. His 11-year-old sister and 47-year-old mother died in the fire. His father, however, was able to escape.
Judge Trish Rose has scheduled a hearing on the request for Tuesday morning.
The trial has been delayed so that this expert hired by the defense can spend time with Vonachen and when they learn the outcome of that report, they’ll know how the case should proceed from there.