INDIANAPOLIS — The trial of three people charged with murder and other counts stemming from an Indianapolis house explosion likely won’t begin until next year after a judge granted defense attorneys’ request for more time to review evidence, a prosecutor said Wednesday.
Marion Superior Court Judge Sheila Carlisle ordered attorneys to confer with one another on possible trial dates during a hearing in which new charges were read against the defendants.
Deputy Marion County Prosecutor Denise Robinson said afterward that it’s most likely a trial won’t begin until sometime next year because preparation for what she called a “standard” murder case typically takes nine to 12 months.
“And, this case is very complicated,” she said. “We’ll be ready when the defense is ready. That could be yet in 2013. But, I think realistically, we’re looking at going into 2014.”
The trial originally was scheduled to begin next month. Carlisle doesn’t expect to set a new date until mid-April.
Multiple trials also are possible after attorneys for two of the defendants, Monserrate Shirley and boyfriend Mark Leonard, said they plan to file motions seeking to have their clients tried separately. The third defendant is Leonard’s brother, Bob.
However, Robinson said the state would seek to have the three tried jointly on the approximately 50 charges they face in the Nov. 10 blast that killed a couple living next door and left 33 homes in the Richmond Hill subdivision so damaged they had to be demolished.
“There are legal grounds for severance. But, it is our position that the defendants should be tried jointly because it’s our allegation they acted together,” Robinson said.
Investigators said Shirley and the Leonards intentionally created a gas explosion in Shirley’s home in hopes of collecting insurance money. A microwave set to start on a timer sparked the explosion after a gas fireplace valve and a gas line regulator in the house were removed. Shirley and Mark Leonard were visiting a southern Indiana casino at the time, and her daughter was staying with friends.
Next door neighbors John and Jennifer Longworth died after the explosion ignited another explosion and resulting fire at their house.
Shirley was formally charged with insurance fraud during Wednesday’s hearing and the Leonards were charged with conspiracy to commit insurance fraud. Prosecutors claim Shirley tried to collect insurance money on her home. All three defendants already faced murder, arson and conspiracy charges.
WRTV-TV reported Wednesday that Shirley filed an insurance claim with State Farm two days after the blast seeking replacement damages for her home.
Mark Leonard’s attorney’s said he may seek a change of venue for his trial, but Carlisle said she won’t consider the issue until later.
Prosecutors are seeking life sentences without parole for the three if they’re convicted.
