Sebastian Burns, convicted in 2004 of murdering his friend’s parents and sister at their Bellevue home, may be given the chance to represent himself as he appeals his conviction.

The state Court of Appeals refused to allow Burns to represent himself and dismiss his attorney, but the state Supreme Court on Thursday said that the Appeals Court must explain its reasoning for not allowing Burns’s action. The Appeals Court did not give a reason for turning down Burns’ request.

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that “Because the Court of Appeals was completely silent as to the reasons for denying Burns’ motion, we cannot say whether it rested its decision on facts supported by the record.”

Burns and his childhood friend, Atif Rafay, were sentenced to life in prison for the crime.