Jeremy Wand reaches plea deal in Argyle arson fire

MADISON (WITI) — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced that Jeremy Wand on Wednesday, June 12th 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 One Count of Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide.  Sentencing has been set for July 19th.

Wand had been charged with Three Counts of First Degree Intentional Homicide; One Count of First Degree Intentional Homicide-Unborn Child; Two Counts of Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide; and One Count of Arson with Intent to Defraud, all felonies in regard to an arson fire that occurred on September 7, 2012.

According to the criminal complaint, on September 7, 2012, Armin Wand and his brother, Jeremy, 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 and lost her unborn child as a result of the fire.  Jessica Wand survived.

“From the beginning, our thoughts and prayers have been with Sharon Wand, her daughter, and the entire Argyle community as it continues to mourn the loss of Allen, Jeffrey, Joseph and the unborn child,” Attorney General Van Hollen said.  “The healing and recovery for all of those touched by this tragic event is far from over, but with today’s proceeding, we’re another step closer to justice.”

On April 17, 2013, Armin J. Wand III was sentenced in Lafayette County Circuit Court after pleading guilty in February 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 to the Three Counts of First Degree Intentional Homicide, Wand was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole; as to the One Count of Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide, Wand was sentenced to 60 years in prison (40 years of initial confinement, 20 years extended supervision); as to the One Count of Arson; Wand was sentenced to 40 years in prison (25 years of initial confinement, 15 years extended supervision) concurrent to the other sentences; and as to the One Count of Felony Murder – Unborn Child, Wand was sentenced to 40 years in prison concurrent to the other sentences.