June trial date set for Richmond Hills blast suspect

A Northern Indiana judge has set a June 2015 trial date for one of three suspects facing murder, arson and conspiracy charges in connection with a November 2012 house explosion that killed an Indianapolis couple.

WISH-8 reports St. Joseph Superior Court Judge John Marnocha has issued an order setting jury selection in Mark Leonard’s case to begin June 4. Opening arguments begin June 8.

Prosecutors say Leonard, half brother Bob Leonard Jr. and ex-girlfriend Monserrate Shirley blew up Shirley’s house in the Richmond Hill neighborhood on Indianapolis’ Southside to collect insurance money. The blast killed Dion and Jennifer Longworth and damaged or destroyed more than 50 surrounding homes.

It’s not clear yet where Bob Leonard or Shirley will be tried. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty.