Magargal receives reduced arson charge for Christmas break-in

Zachary Magargal, 20, of Cody, pleaded no contest to attempted arson in the third degree pursuant to a plea agreement that reduced a first-degree arson charge and dropped charges of burglary and criminal entry in the Fifth Judicial District Court of Big Horn County on Thursday, June 25. The charge originated from a Christmas 2025 incident that took place in Lovell, wherein Magargal stole presents and planted an open propane tank with a torch tip on it in the home of his ex-girlfriend and her family following the couple’s breakup. 

Magargal initially pled not guilty to all charges. A change of plea, no contest to third degree arson, was entered in March 9. 

Big Horn County Attorney Marcia Bean attested last week that the state had “no choice but to proceed with this plea agreement,” which was negotiated by former Big Horn County Deputy Attorney Jennifer Kirk. With the initial charges filed May 22, 2025, Magargal would have faced a total combined sentence up to 30 years and six months and/or fines up to $30,750. The plea agreement brought Magargal’s punishment down to 3 to 5 years in the Wyoming State Detention Center suspended in favor of three years of supervised probation and a $5,000 suspended fine.

Both Magargal’s ex-girlfriend, Ashlee Pitt, and her stepmother, Sarah Pitt, submitted victim impact statements to the court, encouraging the strongest possible punishment. 

“The consequences he faces do not align with the severity of his actions,” Sarah Pitt said, alleging that Magargal admitted to the crime and laughed about it the night of the incident. 

Included in the affidavit, prepared by Lovell Police Officer Shantel Coleman, was a Facebook message from Magargal to Ashlee Pitt’s stepfather Thomas May reading, “...What I did was wrong, I shouldn’t have come to the house without supervision or permission, but I do mean it, man, I’m sorry, I never intended it to go down like that.”

Sarah Pitt also stated before the court that Magargal’s actions easily could have led to death. The affidavit finds the home, where the incident took place, was heated by natural gas, with a pilot light that could have caused a spark at any time while the propane tank was open, which could have resulted in an explosion.

Ashlee Pitt added that her relationship with Magargal had only lasted about a month, and she was concerned as to what could have happened if it continued for longer. 

Defense attorney Sam Krone contested through working with Magargal that he has found him to be “immature for his age,” but “fundamentally a good human being.”

In his allocution, Magargal, dressed in suit and tie, stated, “I never intended to hurt, threaten or frighten anyone,” though he acknowledged his intentions did not change the outcome. 

Judge Bobbi Overfield listed mitigating factors in Magargal’s case included his age, no prior felonies and no jury trial. Aggravating factors were several misdemeanor charges, a bond violation and the underlying crime committed by Magargal. Overfield ultimately agreed to the terms of the plea agreement, but warned Magargal:

“You’ve had opportunities, you’ve had chances, and this will be the last one you get from this court.”