Teen accused of two counts of murder bound over for trial
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson teen accused of killing his mother and sister and attempting to kill his father was bound over for trial Monday after a morning long preliminary hearing
Samuel Vonachen who was fourteen at the time of the alleged crimes faces two counts of first-degree murder, two alternate counts of felony murder, attempted first-degree murder and aggravated arson. The teen is accused of setting fire to the family home back on Sept. 26, 2013, by pouring gas throughout the house, then lighting it. The blaze killed his mother, Karla Jo Vonachen, and his sister Audrey. The teen’s father was able to escape the fire.
While Detective Scott Carlton was on the stand Monday, the state showed a video where he gives a number of different stories and then finally admits to act saying, “I wanted people to die, people are awful.” Later, he was told the his mother and sister are gone and that he will never see them again. He was asked during the video interview if that bothered him and he said. “no.” It also came out that he had called 911 to report the fire, but gave the name Dominique and didn’t specify how many people might still be in the home. He also told of plans or fantasies of other attacks such as in Washington or in a school.
Also on the stand was Detective Dean Harcrow who testified about locating Sam Vonachen some two hours after fire crews arrived at the scene. He testified that the two victims died of acute smoke inhalation. He also testified that they found the presence of gas on the teens tennis shoes. When found he was wearing new blue jeans with the size tag still attached.
ATF agent Douglas Monty told of figuring out that the fire was definitely intentional set based on the burn patterns that he says showed the gas had been poured in a U shape around the staircase making it difficult if not impossible for anyone to escape.
With him being bound over for trial, the case now moves to arraignment in front of Judge Trish Rose on March 2.