Man pleads guilty to killing most of his family in fire

By Jaclyn Brandt

CREATED Feb. 15, 2013

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  • Armin Wand III (left), 32, the father of three children killed in a house fire in southwestern Wisconsin last Friday and his 18-year-old brother, Jeremy Wand. Image by Lafayette County Sheriff's Department

MADISON - Armin J. Wand III, the man accused of attempting to kill his wife and children in a fire, pleaded guilty Friday to the crimes.

According to the criminal complaint, Want and his brother started a fire at his home in Argyle in an attempt to collect insurance money. At the time of the fire, Wand's pregnant wife and four children were sleeping in the home. His seven-year-old son, five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter were all killed in the fire. His two-year-old daughter survived, and his wife was severely injured attempting to rescue her children. She lost the baby she was carrying.

Wand pleaded guilty 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.

“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.”