A custody battle is brewing over the young sons of a former Kansas lawman who killed his wife before setting their house on fire.

The Wichita Eagle reports that what began as a face-off between maternal and paternal families has evolved into a struggle between the mother and sister of Vashti Seacat. She was killed in April 2011 just days after she filed for divorce from her husband, Brett Seacat. He was sentenced in August to life in prison.

Judge Larry Solomon has set a two-day trial beginning March 27 to decide who will be the guardian. Solomon also presided over Brett Seacat’s trial. At the time of the killing, Brett Seacat worked for the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, teaching police recruits from around the state.
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Information from: The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle