HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Another blow for the defense in the case against a teen charged with two counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder and aggravated arson.
Samuel Vonachen is accused of setting a fire to his family’s home that killed his mother and sister. He was 14 at the time and the state has charged him as an adult for those crimes.
The defense wanted the video interview officers did with the defendant, where he allegedly confessed to the crimes, suppressed, but Judge Trish Rose denied the motion.
The Judge Thursday noted in her written opinion that the defendant was advised of his rights and signed a written waiver. She says while the interview occurred in the evening, the same day of the early morning fire, the defendant did not appear groggy or ill. “He was able to communicate fluently and the interview didn’t exceed a reasonable length of time,” Judge Rose said.
She also says that police didn’t employ unfair or coercive tactics during that interview. She says based on what she saw from the video of the interview, the defendant’s statements were voluntary. Again, she denied the motion to suppress.
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.
The case is still pending a jury trial.