WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A man was convicted of murder charges Friday in connection with a fire that killed two people, including a child.

Wendell Payton pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Kalsey and Naomi Payton. He also pleaded guilty to aggravated arson, aggravated child endangerment, domestic battery and two counts of interfering with law enforcement, according to the Reno County District Attorney's office.

The charges stem from a Feb. 1 fire in Hutchinson. Just after 3 a.m., the Hutchinson Fire Department was dispatched to a house near Clay Street and Third Avenue on a report of a house fire with people possibly trapped. Police also responded.

When officers arrived, they found a 6-year-old girl standing outside the home.

Firefighters saw smoke comi

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