MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Wendell Payton, the man accused in fatal fire that killed 32-year-old Kelsey Payton, and a juvenile made his first appearance in Reno County District Court Thursday and was formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated arson and one count of aggravated endangering a child, and two counts of interference with a law enforcement officer.
Court records show that Payton is alleged to have concealed, destroyed or altered evidence. Records also show that he gave false information when questioned by police.
Just before 3:30a.m. Saturday, crews were dispatched to a fire at a home in the 1000 block of East 3rd Street in Hutchinson with possible people trapped, according to a media release.
First responders located four individuals at the residence. Two of the individuals 32-year-old Kalsey M. Payton and one juvenile female were found deceased. The other two individuals 37-year-old Wendell Payton and one juvenile female, were transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, and later to Saint Francis in Wichita. The girl was later released from the hospital. Police arrested Payton.
He has a bond modification hearing scheduled for Friday and a waiver status hearing on March 5.