HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A motion hearing for the case against a 16 year old charged with two counts of first-degree murder and aggravated arson was held Monday morning in front of Judge Trish Rose.
Samuel Vonachen is accused of setting 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 hearing was over some defense and state motions. The defense wanted a gag order issued in the case, which was granted. They also wanted the judge to place any future court filings under seal, meaning they would not be available to the public or the media. They also indicated that some hearings should be closed over those motions. That was denied by the judge.
The state then argued a motion for forcing the defendant to hand over writings or a journal that the defendant has been doing since his arrest. Senior Assistant District Attorney Steve Maxwell argued that this is not for the state or their case, but rather for the doctors doing a mental evaluation to see if the defendant is competent to stand trial. The defense called them privileged and asked that the state’s request be denied. On the suggestion of the state, Judge Rose told the defense to provide the writings to her first and then she’ll rule whether they can be released to the doctors.
The case centers on Vonachen allegedly spreading gas through the downstairs of his family’s home, then setting it on fire. This occurred back on Sept. 26, 2013.
Trial in the case is slated to begin soon.