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 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.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/0a5cf68a-586c-437f-9d82-c62780b53987">• Arrest Made in Fatal Fire&nbsp;</a>

Court records show that Payton is alleged to have concealed, destroyed or altered evidence. &nbsp;Records also show that the gave false information when questioned by police. &nbsp;

Payton has a bond modification hearing scheduled for Friday Feb. 7, and a waiver status hearing on March 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738764456680.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure>MARC JACOBS - Hutch PostWendell 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 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.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/0a5cf68a-586c-437f-9d82-c62780b53987">• Arrest Made in Fatal Fire&nbsp;</a>Court records show that Payton is alleged to have concealed, destroyed or altered evidence. &nbsp;Records also show that the gave false information when questioned by police. &nbsp;Payton has a bond modification hearing scheduled for Friday Feb. 7, and a waiver status hearing on March 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty &nbsp;

Man charged in fatal fire makes first appearance