Reno County District Judge Patty Macke-Dick made her ruling Wednesday in the case against a 14-year-old over whether future court hearings for Sam Vonachen accused of two counts of murder, attempted murder and aggravated arson should be closed to the media and the public.

Vonachen is accused of killed his mother and 11 year old sister the attempt on his father and allegedly setting the family home on fire.

Judge Macke-Dick says while she isn’t concerned about the embarrassment or fright for the teen facing the media, she feels there are evaluations that should be made outside the public arena without the media present. She also noted the concern of the father in the case also being exposed to the media.

So, she decided to close the case in the following manner. That would include closing future hearings, but not close the legal file to the public. She may seal individual documents as needed to provide the teen with fair hearings now and in the future.

She also indicated that the lawyers in the case should not make statements to the media and others except for court dates and times.

Defense Attorney Greg Bell had requested the hearings closed citing the wording of the motion by District Attorney Keith Schroeder to prosecute the 14-year-old as an adult, He called it “shocking” and “sensationalized.” That motion is still pending and could make Judge Macke-Dick’s ruling moot.