Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen Announces Plea Agreement in Case Stemming from Fatal Fire in Argyle

Armin Wand III Pleads to Three Counts of 1st Degree Intentional Homicide, One Count of Attempted 1st Degree Intentional Homicide, Arson, and Felony Murder  

MADISON — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced that Armin J. Wand III today pleaded guilty in Lafayette County Circuit Court to Three Counts of First Degree Intentional Homicide, One Count of Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide, One Count of Arson and One Count of Felony Murder – Unborn Child, in regard to an arson fire that occurred on September 7, 2012.  The Court dismissed but read-in Two Counts of Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide.  Sentencing has been set for April 17, 2013, at 1:30 pm.

According to the criminal complaint, on September 7, 2012, Armin and his brother, Jeremy Wand, started a fire at the home of Armin Wand at 402 Oak Street in the Village of Argyle, Lafayette County, for the purpose of collecting insurance proceeds.  At the time the fire was set, Armin Wand’s pregnant wife and children were sleeping in the home (Sharon Wand; Allen Wand (Age 7), Jeffrey Wand (Age 5), Joseph Wand (Age 3) and Jessica Wand (Age 2).  At approximately 3:10 am, the Argyle-Adams Fire Department was dispatched to a fire at the residence and began efforts to save the occupants.  Allen, Jeffrey and Joseph Wand were killed in the fire.  Sharon Wand was severely injured attempting to save her children.  Jessica Wand survived.

“As this tragic case enters another phase of the legal process, our thoughts and prayers remain with Sharon Wand, her daughter, and those still mourning the deaths of her children,” Attorney General Van Hollen said.  “This has been a tremendously difficult case for everyone involved, including the Argyle community, and we’re grateful it’s one more step closer to resolution.”    

The case against Armin’s brother, Jeremy Wand, is set for a status conference February 20, 2013.  Assistant Attorney General Roy Korte and Richard Dufour are serving as Special Prosecutor.  This matter was investigated by the Village of Argyle Police Department with assistance provided by the State Fire Marshal at the Department of Justice -- Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department.