HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department, responding to the 900 Block of Keast St for a ruptured gas line struck by utility crews around 11:20 Thursday morning.

Crews arrived to find a 2” gas line had been struck by utility crews utilizing and auger.

Units set up a safety perimeter and evacuated citizens located on 9th Ave to a nearby local hotel.   Roads were initially closed from 8th Ave to 11th Ave between Porter St and Keast St. with  residents being let back into their homes after fire crews evaluated the gas monitor readings in  the area downwind from the incident.

Fire Crews remained on the scene for about four and a half hours until the leak was contained.

No injuries were reported.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A local man was taken to A Wichita hospital Wednesday after reportedly being stabbed in the lower abdomen.

It was approximately 4:05 p.m. when Hutchinson Police were dispatched to 321 Logan for a disturbance. When officers arrived, they found Francisco Gracia Jr. in the front yard bleeding profusely from a knife wound. He was transported by Reno County EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and underwent emergency surgery and later transferred to a Wichita hospital and is currently in critical condition according to police.

The victim and other witnesses were able to provide the identity of the suspect. Police identified him as 40-year-old Venancio Vigil Jr. who was arrested at 316 East Ave F approximately two hours after the stabbing incident occurred. He was arrested for aggravated battery and aggravated burglary.

In court, Magistrate Judge Cheryl Allen indicated that the altercation may have been over money. Bond at the time of his arrest was $35,000, but Judge Allen increased it at the request of the state to $50,000 dollars because of the severity of the crime.

Vigil has served time in prison for two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child for a case from 1998.

He’ll be back in court on Sept. 8, to see if the state has filed formal charges.

Public defender John Henderson touches the shoulder of Sam Vonachen after jurors left to decide the verdict in Vonachen’s trial Wednesday. (pool photo from Hutch News)

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Just after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, the jury in the trial for a Kansas teen accused of the murder of his mother and sister found Samuel Vonachen guilty on all counts, including two counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder and aggravated arson.

The state again argued that this was a premeditated act with the defendant waiting for his parents and sister to go to bed back on Sept. 26, 2013. He then went to the garage and grabbed a gas can and poured gas in a “U” shape around the stairs twice and set it on fire. Senior Assistant District Attorney Steve Maxwell told the media after the verdict that he was happy for the two victims that justice was served.

Although, there were actually four counts of murder charged, two were alternate counts for felony murder. He says at sentencing those two will go away and the teen will be sentenced for the 1st degree murder counts and they’ll request two consecutive life sentences, but he also noted that it will be up to Judge Trish Rose as to what the sentence will be which will be on Sept. 30, at 3 p.m. Because there will be a lot of motions prior to sentencing, she made it a special setting.

During his closing, Maxwell told the jury about the alternate theory of murder where he should be convicted because of acting in the commission of committing another dangerous felony, that being the aggravated arson. But, the state believed it was premeditated because of him taking the time to bring personal belongings out before setting the fire, most notably, his base guitar and a blanket.

Maxwell also noted that he was seen on video at the Kwik Shop at 17th & Plum with his guitar with him. He later hid the guitar and was found walking on Main Street, heading back to his burning home. Maxwell also reminded the jury that he admitted he set the fire because he wanted people to die, saying people are awful. Maxwell says he proudly confessed, saying he burned the house. He told the jury that he had more concern for his cat than his mom and sister.

Defense Attorney John Henderson argued throughout the trial that Vonachen suffered mental disease and defect showing the jury a video where he is having a conversation with himself. At one point, he says “stop.” Henderson also noted to the jury that during that time, he talked about his swords, saying “my swords, my swords, I love to play with my swords.” He also commented during that time that his mind works differently than others. The defense attorney also told the jury of the teen asking an officer while in a police vehicle if anyone was hurt in the fire.

Henderson also noted that, if he is found to be guilty because of mental disease or defect, he would be sent to a state mental hospital for treatment and not released on the street. Henderson asked the jury to question what happened between the time he downloaded 574 images on his phone at 11:40 p.m. and 12:19 a.m. the next morning when he called 911 to report the fire.

The defense claims he suffered with disassociation disorder at the time the fire was set. But, the Jury didn’t buy those arguments, in fact two jurors told Maxwell that they believed the evidence was overwhelming.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Steve Maxwell talked to the media following the verdict. Here is the audio of that news conference.

(pool photo from the Hutchinson News)

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The trial for a local teen accused of the murder of his mother and sister continued with the state challenging a defense expert on her diagnosis of of Samuel Vonachen, who is accused of killing his mother and sister.

Dr. Kathleen Heidi had testifying over her examination of Vonachen who is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder and aggravated arson after allegedly setting a fire to his family’s home back on Sept. 26, 2013.

She told the jury of her conversation with the teen where he described it as being like it was part of a dream. But, the state challenged that asking her about statements he made to police where he stated he wanted to kill people and that people are awful. She says she believes that he suffers from fragmented memory of those events. She also stated that it wasn’t just the interview, but also other corroborative data that led to her conclusion.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Steve Maxwell then asked about him taking his guitar and blanket prior to setting the fire. Dr. Heidi discounted the guitar, but thought him taking the baby blanket as significant in coming to her conclusions. Maxwell also brought up the fact that he told police that wanted people to die and had visions of other crimes including stabbing someone with a sword.

Dr. Heidi stood by her diagnosis, even though two psychologist found that he was able to form intent to commit the murders and that he may a “psychopath.” Maxwell again noted to the jury that she is not a licensed psychologist in Florida where she lives or in the state of Kansas.

Dr. Heidi earlier in the day had told the jury of her interview with the teen and that he couldn’t remember getting to different places like from his bedroom to the downstairs. She also says at times, he says it was like watching himself doing the things he was doing in what she described as an out of body experience.

According to her, he described it as being like it was part of a dream. She says he had fragmented memory of those events. He couldn’t remember getting to different places, like from his bedroom to the downstairs. She also says, at times, he says it was like watching himself doing the things he was doing in what she described as an out-of-body experience.

Before starting the fire, he told her he was laying on his bed, feeling light-headed with his heart pounding, hearing strange things with strange thoughts.

He also remembered going to the garage to get the gas can, but saying again, it was like it was a dream. He then remembered being on the front porch with the gas can and entering the front door, wondering what he was doing, saying it was like a foggy dream. He remembered pouring the gas, but couldn’t recall where he poured it, what rooms or where he was standing when he did it. He told her it “logically didn’t make any sense.” He remembers using a little black lighter in setting the fire.

Later, the doctor told her that he was laying on a sidewalk near Hutchinson High School with a dread feeling, then a sense of urgency came over him, but he didn’t remember the fire. He ran back toward the house, but didn’t know the route he took, according to Dr. Heidi.

He then remembers seeing police cars and remembers telling them, “that’s my house.” He had his baby blanket with him and remembers telling them he didn’t want it to get burned.

He next remembers being at the hospital, but couldn’t recall how he got there and, following that, at his grandparent’s home, but told her it was different with no trees, bushes or a garden. He then remembers being in a bright room with dark edges, which Dr. Heidi thought was probably the interview room at the police station. He couldn’t remember things he told police and told her it wasn’t until he was in the detention center that he believes the dream was over and then it became real that these things did happen, including him pouring the gas inside his home and setting it on fire. He also told the doctor that watching the video of his confession was like watching someone else calling some of his comments ridiculous.

All of this in the defense efforts to argue that, at the time of the crimes, he suffered from a mental disease or defect.

The trial is continuing in District Court.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Local churches, organizations and businesses, and a whole lot of folks came together Sunday evening despite the threat of storms to celebrate what was dubbed “Unity in the Community.”

This event was mainly in the east parking lot of the Father’s House Church, 1505 E. 20th. The focus of the event was to promote unity and strengthen community relations throughout Hutchinson and the surrounding area.

City officials, law enforcement and local pastors led everyone in prayer and, of course, there was music and some good food available.

Both Hutchinson Police Capt. Troy Hoover and Reno County Sheriff Randy Henderson were there and noted that this is a chance for people to interact with law enforcement, fire officials and see that they are just people too. Police have gotten some bad news coverage because of events across the country and this was meant to allow residents to interact with police.

Pastor Quinton Moore, whose church was the host for this event, commented that most in the local community at least support law enforcement who work hard to protect us.

It was a great crowd that attended. It kind of seemed like a warm up for the Kansas State Fair with a carnival-like atmosphere.

Pool photo from the Hutch News

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – After the state has rested their case in the trial for a local teen accused of the murder of his mother and sister. The defense for Samuel Vonachen began theirs by recalling police detectives over the investigation.

He’s charged with two counts of first-degree murder, attempted first degree murder and aggravated arson after allegedly setting a fire to his family’s home back on Sept. 26, 2013.

Vonachen attorney, John Henderson at one point called Hutchinson Police Detective Scott Carlson to the stand over cell phone records belonging to the defendant. It was during that testimony that the defense opened the door for the state to bring in a photo downloaded by Vonachen to his phone the night of the murder, in fact just hours before he allegedly started the fire. That image from “My Little Pony” which had a picture of the pony with the word murder repeated across the picture in different sizes. The state was also able to show that he had visited the site and first accessed this photo a couple of other times in the weeks prior to setting the fire.

Most of the rest of the defense witnesses called to the stand Friday were character witnesses including the defendants grandmother who testified that she never saw anything out of the ordinary and described the relationships among the family as normal.

Prior to the state resting, the defense was also able to call a number of teachers from the Buhler school district who told the jury that he was quiet, but none indicated that they saw any substantial evidence that he was anti-social.

The state ended their case with Dr. Shelby Evans, a psychologist who also did an evaluation of the defendant and also agrees that he was capable forming intent to commit murder.

After the state rested, the defense asked for a judgment of acquittal which was denied.

The trial is expected to continue into next week.

Samuel Vonachen listens to testimony during his trial at the Reno County Courthouse
(Pool photo from the Hutch News)

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The trial for a local teen accused of the murder of his mother and sister continued with expert testimony Thursday afternoon.

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 of the fire back on Sept. 26, 2013.

The case is in recess until Friday morning where the final witness for the state will finish her testimony. That being Dr. Shelby Evans, a psychologist who also did an evaluation of the defendant.

On the stand before her was Dr. Trever Patton, is a Psychologist and an independent practitioner at The Therapy Center in Wichita. He did an evaluation on Samuel Vonachen originally at the request of his then defense attorney. He testified that the defendant may suffer “Anti-Social Personality Disorder.” When asked by Senior Assistant District Attorney Steve Maxwell if he suffered any type of mental disease or defect? Dr. Patton answered, “absolutely not.”

He also agreed with the states arguments that Vonachen was capable of forming intent to commit murder.

On cross examination, Dr. Patton told of the visit with the defendants father and was told by his father that his son knew what he was doing. The doctor described the teen as being vaguely immature, but extremely intelligent. That was his finding back when he met with him while he was 14. He’s now 17-years-old.

Early in the day, Hutchinson Police Detective Paul Sach who was on the stand testifying about the interview police conducted with the defendant where he basically admitted to starting the fire. Sach was one of the officers who did the video interview with Vonachen. But, while giving testimony, he showed a diagram of the family home and then showed the jury some squiggly lines the defendant drew in a “U” shape showing where he poured the gas.

During the video, the defendant was asked why he committed the crimes? “I wanted people to die, people are awful.” said Vonachen. Later, he was told the his mother and sister were gone and that he will never see them again. He was asked during the video interview if that bothered him and he said. “no.”

The state will wrap up their case Friday morning. The defense will then begin their side of the case and they’re expect to present their own expert testimony as to whether the defendant suffers from mental disease or defect.

 

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.

TOPEKA, Kan. – The latest unemployment numbers released Friday by the Kansas Department of Labor show every regional counties rates going up.

That also includes the city of Hutchinson where the unemployment rate jumped from 4.6 percent in June to 5.6 percent last month. The rate for July of last year was at 4.9 percent. Reno County also saw their unemployment rate increase from 4.6 percent in June to 5.4 percent in July.

1,644 residents of the county were looking for work last month according to the Department of Labor with 1,085 of those living in the city of Hutchinson.

The surrounding counties also saw their numbers increase in July compared to the June numbers. Harvey County had the largest unemployment number of all the surrounding counties at 6.4 percent in July, up from 4.1 percent in June.

The state’s July seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.1 percent. This was up from 3.8 percent in June and unchanged from July 2015.

The Associated Press reports that the only state in the nation to lose a large number of jobs in July was Kansas, which shed 5,600.