New judge to preside over deadly fire case

DARLINGTON, Wis. (AP) — A new judge will preside over the trial for two brothers charged with killing three children in a Lafayette County house fire.

Green County Judge Thomas Vale was appointed to replace a Lafayette County judge at the request of Armin and Jeremy Wand. One of the first motions Vale will consider is a defense request that could move the trial out of Lafayette County.

Thirty-two-year-old Armin Wand is the father of the children killed in the fire — 7-year-old Allen, 5-year-old Jeffery and 3-year-old Joseph Wand. The brothers are also facing attempted homicide charges for allegedly trying to kill Armin Wand's wife, Sharon, and their 2-year-old daughter, Jessica.

The State Journal says the request for a change of venue was based on heavy media coverage of the case.

Information from: Wisconsin State Journal, http://www.madison.com/wsj.

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