DARLINGTON, WI (WTAQ) – A former Argyle man and his younger brother continue to appeal their convictions in a 2012 arson fire that killed four family members.
A circuit judge recently decided that 35-year-old Armin Wand III cannot withdraw guilty pleas to Lafayette County charges of homicide, attempted homicide, and arson. He wants a trial — and his lawyer said in January she would appeal if necessary to get that trial.
His younger brother Jeremy has been getting extensions to file an appeal on his conviction for helping his brother set the blaze.
Armin Wand’s house was destroyed in the fall of 2012. The blaze killed his three boys — ages 3, 5, and 7. His ex-wife Sharon was burned critically, and she lost an unborn child she was carrying. Their 2-year-old daughter survived.
The Wisconsin State Journal has reported on numerous problems Sharon has faced since the arson. She moved to her family’s home area of New Lisbon.
She told the Madison paper she changed back to her maiden name of Peterson after she divorced Wand — because others treated her badly just because of her name. She said Wand’s family is among them.
Armin’s father has filed a small claims’ court case against Peterson, saying she owes $1,300 for an SUV awarded to her in the divorce. A hearing in that case is set for next Monday.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
