HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 37-year-old Hutchinson man has been arrested in connection with the early Saturday morning fatal fire at a residence in the 1000 block of East 3rd. Hutchinson Police Tuesday evening released the identity of one of the two people who died as 32-year-old Kalsey Payton of Hutchinson. The identity of a juvenile who died in the fire has not been released at this time.
Wendell Payton was arrested Tuesday afternoon by Hutchinson Police on his release from Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, where he and a second juvenile, who was found outside the home when first responders arrived, were taken after initial treatment at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center
In a statement, HPD said their officers and detectives have been working around the clock following up on leads. During their investigation probable cause was established and based on that Wendell Payton was taken into custody and transported to the Reno County Correctional Facility, where he is currently being held on a $2 million bond.
The case has been forwarded to the Reno County District Attorney’s Office, and an initial court appearance for Payton could come as early as Wednesday morning.
The case does remain under investigation, and anyone having information they feel would be beneficial to it can contact Reno County Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or use the P3Tips app or contact HPD at 620-694-2816. Please reference case number 2025-4622 with your tip.
