Samuel Vonachen, who is on trial for two counts of first-degree murder, listens as opening statements are made. (Pool photo courtesy of Hutch News)

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The trial for a local teen accused of the murder of his mother and sister is underway.

Samuel Vonachen is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and aggravated arson after allegedly setting a fire to his family’s home, leaving his mother and sister trapped inside. He was 14 at the time back on Sept. 26, 2013.

Afternoon testimony centered on police locating the suspect walking down the street and how they eventually took him to the hospital because of his high blood pressure when he was checked by EMS at the scene of the fire. It was at the hospital where they began to suspect he may have been involved because his new clothes had the smell of gasoline.

The first witness was 911 Director Michelle Abbott, who testified over a 911 call from the defendant notifying authorities of the fire. In the recording, he sounded out of breath and in a panic. The state says it was an act and that he used a different name when making the call.

Prior to opening statements, the defense asked that the TV Camera in the courtroom for local TV stations be removed. That was denied with Judge Trish Rose choosing to follow Supreme Court rules for media coverage of trials like this one.

The state started its opening statement by describing the teen going to the garage of the family home, grabbing a gas can and pouring gas in a “U” shape around the staircase, making it difficult, if not impossible, for anyone to escape. He then allegedly lit a napkin and threw it on the gas, igniting it. Senior Assistant District Attorney Steve Maxwell noted that he had taken his favorite items outside before that, including a guitar, blanket and his cell phone. He was wearing new clothes. Maxwell called him a psychopath with no emotion or compassion for others.

The defense is arguing mental disease and defect, telling the jury of the teen being caught talking to himself for two hours during the time he was in Reno County Youth Services and noting that the defendant says his mind works differently than others. He also noted that, in the video while he was in the police car, he was constantly clutching the blanket he had with him when found by police.

The trial is expected to last through the rest of the week and possibly into next week.