WASHINGTON, Pa. -- A Washington County man will stand trial on charges he killed his wife and two children.

District Judge Valarie Costanzo ordered Orlando Guarino, 38, to stand trial on homicide charges at the end of a three-hour preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

Police said Guarino killed Ashley Guarino, 22, and the couple's children, 2-year-old Dreux and 11-month-old Orlando Jr., on July 11.

County Coroner Tim Warco said the victims were asphyxiated in their Marianna home, but has not said how.

Officials said Orlando and Ashley Guarino had separated recently. Court documents show the couple traded abuse allegations last month, resulting in a protection-from-abuse order against Orlando Guarino.

State Trooper Thomas Kress said Guarino told police he snapped but still loved his wife and children. Guarino has denied that he killed them.

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