HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A Hutchinson teen charged with two counts of first-degree murder and aggravated arson was back in court again this morning over a request by the state for a status hearing.
Samuel Vonachen is accused of setting a fire to his family’s home which killed his mother and sister. He was 14 at the time and the state has charged him as an adult for those crimes. This occurred back on Sept. 26, 2013.
Judge Trish Rose heard a request by the state for another evaluation to be completed on the defendant, this after they apparently got a report on the one which was done by the defense. Contents of that report was not released with the judge placing that report under seal.
She granted the states request that two psychologists from Wichita do the examination. The report on that mental examination will be required to be presented to the court by Dec. 31. It to will be placed under seal.
There have been a number of mental evaluations completed prior to the latest two. The defense may argue mental disease or defect when the case goes to trial. It will be sometime next year before the case goes before a jury.