No amusing dumb crook story today. Instead, a horrific murder.DARLINGTON — A Lafayette County circuit judge set bail at $1.4 million for an Argyle father accused of setting a fire that killed his three sons and critically injured his wife, and at $1.2 million for his brother who allegedly helped him.
The boys' father, Armin G. Wand III, 32, and uncle, Jeremy L. Wand, 18, are each charged with three counts of first-degree intentional homicide and arson. Armin Wand also is charged with three counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide, and Jeremy Wand is charged with two counts of attempted homicide.
The brothers were led into the courtroom prior to Wednesday's 25-minute initial hearing amid tight security. Armed law enforcement officers stood between the courtroom general public seating area and the defendants, who were shackled, handcuffed and wearing bullet-proof vests over their jail-issued orange jump suits.
A criminal complaint alleges the two brothers admitted to setting fire to Armin Wand's house early Friday to collect life insurance on his wife, Sharon Wand, 27, who was severely injured in the blaze, and their children, Allen, 7, Jeffrey, 5, and Joseph, 3, who died in the fire. A daughter, Jessica, 2, survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
And according to yesterday's State Journal, he would have thrown her back into the blaze had his next-door neighbor not turned up.
Assistant State Public Defender Guy Taylor, who is representing Armin Wand, said that despite what appeared to be a confession in the criminal complaint, it was "unlikely" that his client would plead guilty. When asked if he believed any coercion was used to gain those confessions, Taylor said, "It's my job to investigate that."
Taylor also said he would talk with attorney Frank Medina, who is representing Jeremy Wand, about the possibility of seeking a change of venue. "We'll research it carefully, but it would seem that the publicity has been rather widespread," Taylor said.
Bail was set by Lafayette Circuit Court Judge William D. Johnston at the amount requested by Roy Korte of the state Attorney General's office. It also included an order that neither defendant could contact Sharon Wand nor Jessica Wand.
Korte said bail set at $200,000 per each count charged against the defendants was necessary because of the seriousness of the crimes.
The date for the preliminary hearing was set for Nov. 13.
The Wand brothers did not speak publicly at the hearing. The older Wand looked gaunt and his salt-and-pepper beard and thick eyeglasses made him easily distinguishable from his brother. Armin Wand spent most of the time staring at the floor prior to and during the hearing.
Jeremy Wand, a senior at Argyle High School, also kept his head down but peered up from time to time to look at the judge or his brother sitting at another table.
As of Wednesday, Taylor said the defendants and their attorneys are working together and that a motion must be filed if they wish to act separately.
"That's an issue that has yet to be determined," Taylor said.
Taylor, who was appointed Armin Wand's attorney on Tuesday, asked the judge for a lower bail because he said his client was indigent. He also told the judge he was concerned for the preservation of evidence but added later, "There's no specific indication that that wouldn't be the case here."
After the hearing Lessa Bobak, Sharon Wand's aunt, tearfully read a statement asking that the family be allowed to grieve in private. She said they are shocked and saddened by the events that led to the deaths of three children and Sharon Wand's unborn child. She was 17 weeks pregnant but lost the baby after sustaining injuries in the fire, according to members of the Wand family.
Bobak said Jessica is "being well cared for and is healthy and stable," but did not say who is caring for the child.