A Washington County man has been ordered to stand trial on charges he killed his wife and two children.

District Judge Valarie Costanzo made the ruling after a three-hour preliminary hearing today that featured state troopers using Orlando Guarino's words against him.

Mr. Guarino was arrested after a relative on July 9 found the bodies of Ashley Guarino, 22, and her children, Druex, 2, and Orlando Jr., 11 months, at their home on Third Street in Marianna.

Trooper Thomas Kress, the lead investigator, testified that, as Mr. Guarino was transported in a squad car, he said, "I know I snapped. I don't know what happened. I still love my wife and kids."

Trooper Kress also said that Mr. Guarino spoke of a text message that his wife had received the day before the killings and which prompted an argument.

"He said he couldn't take it anymore and he was going to try to kill himself," Trooper Kress said.

On the day of the killings, Mr. Guarino told the trooper, he attempted twice to kill himself. When he went back to his house, he found his family dead.

The three victims were asphyxiated.

Washington County District Attorney Steven Toprani said today he has not decided whether to pursue the death penalty.