This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.
<Return to Richmond Hill Trial homepage
Photos of the 2012 Richmond Hill neighborhood explosion.
A devastating explosion on Nov. 10, 2012, killed two residents and damaged more than 80 homes in the Richmond Hill subdivision on the southside of Indianapolis. Prosecutors allege the blast was not an accident but rather part of a scheme to collect insurance money. Citizens Energy workers investigate the cause of the blast by digging into a front sidewalk along Fieldfare Way in the Richmond Hill subdivision. Matt Kryger/From WTHR Chopper13 A criminal investigation into the Richmond Hill explosion resulted in charges against Mark Leonard and his half brother, Bob Leonard, and Monserrate Shirley, Mark Leonard's former girlfriend. All three originally were charged with murder and 46 counts of arson and conspiracy to commit arson. On Jan. 20, 2015, Shirley pleaded guilty to two felony arson conspiracy counts in exchange for a possible suspended sentence for her testimony against the other two defendants. A fourth suspect Gary Thompson was arrested Jan. 28, 2015, on two preliminary charges of murder in connection with the blast. Matt Kryger/From WTHR Chopper13 The investigation into the cause of the 2012 Richmond Hill explosion involved the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Indianapolis Fire Department, Department of Homeland Security and Animal Care and Control. Much of theinvestigation centered on Shirley's home in the subdivision at 8349 Fieldfare Way where the blast originated. Matt Kryger/From WTHR Chopper13 Indianapolis city officials estimate the 2012 explosion in the Richmond Hill subdivision caused about $4.4 million in damage. Officials said five homes were destroyed, 10 homes had major damage, 11 homes had minor damage in the subdivision which had a total of 125 single family residences. Matt Kryger/From WTHR Chopper13 The 2012 Richmond Hill explosion leveled the homes of Monserrate Shirley and her next-door-neighbors. The neighbors John and Jennifer Longworth, whose home was located at 8355 Fieldfare Way, were killed in the massive blast. Shirley's home was empty at the time of the explosion. Matt Kryger/From WTHR Chopper13 Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard (left) talks with Deputy Chief Ron Hicks of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department at Southport Presbyterian Church in the aftermath of the Richmond Hill explosion in 2012. Matt Kryger/The Star Utility workers and investigators stand in the rubble of a destroyed home on Fieldfare Way in the Richmond Hills subdivision on Nov. 12, 2012. An explosion in the subdivision destroyed or damaged as many as 80 structures on Nov. 10, 2012. Matt Detrich/The Star Residents were not allowed back into their damaged homes immediately after the Nov. 10, 2012, explosion in the Richmond Hill subdivision on southside of Indianapolis. Matt Kryger/The Star Residents along Alcona Drive in the Richmond Hill subdivision get a chance a couple of days after the Nov. 10, 2012, explosion to look over the damage to their homes. Matt Kryger/The Star Destroyed homes and scattered debris show effects of the 2012 explosion on Fieldfare Way in the Richmond Hill subdivision. Matt Detrich/The Star Numerous emergency scene investigators along with members of Citizens Energy Group surveyed the destroyed homes along Fieldfare Way on the south side of Indianapolis. An explosion on Nov. 10, 2012, devasted homes in the Richmond Hill subdivision, near Stop 11 and Sherman Drive. Matt Kryger/The Star Numerous emergency scene investigators along with members of Citizens Energy Group continue to survey the destroyed homes along Fieldfare Way on the south side of Indianapolis. An explosion late Saturday night in the Richmond Hill subdivision, near Stop 11 and Sherman Drive. Matt Kryger/The Star Numerous emergency scene investigators along with members of Citizens Energy Group continue to survey the destroyed homes along Fieldfare Way on the south side of Indianapolis. An explosion late Saturday night in the Richmond Hill subdivision, near Stop 11 and Sherman Drive. Matt Kryger/The Star Numerous emergency scene investigators along with members of Citizens Energy Group continue to survey the destroyed homes along Fieldfare Way on the south side of Indianapolis. An explosion late Saturday night in the Richmond Hill subdivision, near Stop 11 and Sherman Drive. Matt Kryger/The Star Numerous emergency scene investigators along with members of Citizens Energy Group continue to survey the destroyed homes along Fieldfare Way on the south side of Indianapolis. An explosion late Saturday night in the Richmond Hill subdivision, near Stop 11 and Sherman Drive. Matt Kryger/The Star Citizens Energy Group workers survey the destroyed homes along Fieldfare Way on the south side of Indianapolis a couple of days after the Nov. 10, 2012, explosion. Matt Kryger/The Star Aerial views of the Richmond Hill subdivision show the two homes that were leveled and the numerous neighboring homes that were damaged by the Nov. 10, 2012, explosion. Matt Kryger/From WTHR Chopper13 Aerial views of the two homes that were leveled in the Nov. 10, 21012, explosion in the Richmond Hill neighborhood. The two homes were owned by Monserrate Shirley and neighbors John and Jennifer Longworth. Shirley was not home at the time of the blast, but the Longworths were killed. Matt Kryger/From WTHR Chopper13 Aerial views of the two homes that were leveled and the numerous neighboring homes that were damaged from the explosion late Saturday night in the Richmond Hill subdivision, near Stop 11 and Sherman Drive. Matt Kryger/From WTHR Chopper13 Residents from miles away reported hearing the explosion that devastated the Richmond Hill subdivision on Nov. 10, 2012. Firefights, dozens of whom were on the scene, cordoned off the neighborhood and told police to clear the area. The deadly blast leveled homes at 8349 Fieldfare Way (shown here) and 8355 Fieldfare Way. Matt Kryger/The Star Indianapolis firefighters battle fires in the 8300 block of Fieldfare Way in the aftermath of the Richmond Hill explosion on the night of Nov. 10,2012. Residents said the blast was so intense that homes as far away as a block had their garage doors cave in. Matt Kryger/The Star Richmond Hill resident Whitney Paflanzer described the scene on the night of the explosion like "a war zone." She said "I thought it was a nightmare -- it was a nightmare." Matt Kryger/The Star Home explosion in the Richmond Hill subdivision at 8349 Fieldfare Way. Two homes were leveled, 8349 and 8355 Fieldfare Way. Matt Kryger/The Star Dozens upon dozens of Indianapolis police cars, firetrucks and emergency personnel descended on the neighborhood on the night of the explosion on Nov. 10, 2012. Flames were visible for hours after the initial blast. Matt Kryger/The Star An aerial view of the Richmond Hill subdivision shows the two homes at 8349 and 8355 Fieldfare Way that were leveled in the explosion. The neighborhood has a total of 125 single family residences. Matt Kryger/The Star Indianapolis city officials reported that the explosion in the Richmond Hill neighborhood caused about $4.4 million in damage. Five homes were destroyed from the blast. And 32 houses were scheduled to be torn down. Matt Kryger/The Star Paramedics attend to residents hurt in the Richmond Hill explosion on the night of Nov. 10, 2012. Matt Kryger/The Star Volunteer Liz McMahan helps Braxton Evans (left) find a pair of shoes a couple of days after the Richmond Hill explosion at Southport Presbyterian Church. Residents displaced by the blast could go to the church to replace clothing and other items. Matt Kryger/The Star Richmond Hill residents displaced by the blast could go to Southport Presbyterian Church to replace clothing and other items. Matt Kryger/The Star A woman carries an animal cage down a driveway with the "cleared symbols" spray painted on a garage door on Fieldfare Way in the Richmond Hills subdivision a couple of days after the Nov. 10, 2012, explosion. Matt Detrich/The Star Destroyed homes show the effects of the explosion on houses on Fieldfare Way in the Richmond Hills subdivision. The initial blast crumpled garage doors as if they had been punched by a fist. "CLR" was spray painted on homes to indicate they had been cleared by emergency workers. Matt Detrich/The Star The foundation of John and Jennifer Longworth's home (foreground) and their neighbor Monserrate Shirley's next-door property (background) are shown on Fieldfare Way in the Richmond Hills subdivision on March 26, 2013. Shirley, her boyfriend Mark Leonard, and his half brother Bob Leonard Jr. originally were all charged with two counts of murder in the Longworths' deaths on Nov. 10, 2012. On Jan. 20, 2015,Shirley pleaded guilty to two felony arson conspiracy counts in exchange for a possible suspended sentence for her testimony against the other two defendants.The blast resulted from an alleged plot by the trio to purposefully cause the explosion in Shirley's home.A fourth suspect Gary Thompson was arrested Jan. 28, 2015, on two preliminary charges of murder in connection with the blast. Charlie Nye/The Star Homeowner Monserrate Shirley (from left), Mark Leonard and Robert Leonard originally were all charged with felony murder and arson in the Nov. 10, 2012, explosion in the Richmond Hill subdivision. On Jan. 20, 2015, Shirley pleaded guilty to two felony arson conspiracy counts in exchange for a possible suspended sentence for her testimony against the other two defendants. Prosecutors allege the blast was not an accident but rather part of a scheme to collect insurance money. A fourth suspect Gary Thompson was arrested Jan. 28, 2015, on two preliminary charges of murder in connection with the blast. IMPD photos Monserrate Shirley (foreground) returns from the City-County Building to jail on Dec. 24, 2012, after entering a not guilty plea in the arraignment for the fatal Richmond Hill blast. She later pleaded guilty to two felony arson conspiracy counts in exchange for a possible suspended sentence for her testimony against the other two defendants (Shirley's former boyfriend Mark Leonard and his half brother Bob Leonard). Kelly Wilkinson/The Star Robert "Bob" Leonard Jr. (left) returns to jail from the City-County Building after entering a not guilty plea on Dec. 24, 2012, in the arraignment for the fatal Richmond Hill blast. Kelly Wilkinson/The Star Mark Leonard, left, returns from the City-County Building to jail after entering a not guilty plea on Dec. 24, 2012, in the arraignment for the fatal Richmond Hill blast. Kelly Wilkinson/The Star Monserrate Shirley talks with a reporter and a photographer on Nov. 13, 2012, after the Nov. 10, 2012, explosion that originated at Shirley's home. She originally was charged with murder and 46 counts of arson and conspiracy to commit arson. On Jan. 20, 2015, Shirley pleaded guilty to two felony arson conspiracy counts in exchange for a possible suspended sentence for her testimony against the other two defendants. Robert Scheer/The Star Richmond Hill suspect Monserrate Shirley is escorted from court following her plea agreement hearing on Jan. 20, 2015, at the City-County Building in Indianapolis. She originally was charged with murder and 46 counts of arson and conspiracy to commit arson. On Jan. 20, 2015, Shirley pleaded guilty to two felony arson conspiracy counts in exchange for a possible suspended sentence for her testimony against the other two defendants (Mark Leonard, his half brother Bob Leonard).A fourth suspect Gary Thompson was arrested Jan. 28, 2015, on two preliminary charges of murder in connection with the blast. Matt Kryger / The Star Gary Thompson, 44, was arrested Jan. 28, 2015, in connection with the Richmond Hill blast. Thompson has not been formally charged, but is facing two preliminary counts of murder in connection with the blast, court records show. Provided by IMPD Family members of John and Jennifer Longworth, who were killed in the Richmond Hill explosion, listen as Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry announces the murder, arson and conspiracy to commit arson charges filed against Mark Leonard, Monserrate Shirley and Bob Loenard Jr. Matt Kryger/The Star Indianapolis Star Indianapolis Star HOME NEWS SPORTS LIFE THINGS TO DO TRAVEL OPINION WEATHER OBITUARIES USA TODAY MEDIA SEARCH FIREFLY Back to Media Browser CRIMERichmond Hill explosion in photos Jan 28, 2015 This is what is left of the foundation/home of John and Jennifer Longworth home at 8355 Fieldfare Way in the Richmond Hill Subdivision.This is what is left of the foundation/home of John and Jennifer Longworth home at 8355 Fieldfare Way in the Richmond Hill Subdivision. Matt Kryger/The Star Family and friends leave St. Barnabas Catholic Church, Monday, November 19, 2012, after the funeral for Jennifer Longworth and her husband, John "Dion" Longworth. The Longworths were the only two people killed in the massive blast in the Richmond Hill subdivision. Kelly Wilkinson/The Star Jennifer Longworth, a second grade teacher at Southwest Elementary School in Greenwood, was killed Nov. 10, 2012, when the house next door to hers in the Richmond Hill subdivision exploded. The powerful blast destroyed Longworth's home. Her husband John Longworth was also killed in the explosion. Photo provided by Longworth family John Longworth was killed on Nov. 10, 2012, when his home in the Richmond Hill neighborhood was destroyed by an explosion originating from the house next door. Longworth's wife Jennifer Longworth was also killed. Longworth worked at Indy Audio Labs and graduated from IUPUI. Photo courtesy of Indy Audio Labs Jennifer Taylor and her son Conner (left) take part in a vigil on Nov. 11, 2012, outside Southwest Elementary School in Greenwood where Jennifer Longworth had worked. Longworth was Conner's teacher two years ago when he was in the second grade. Jennifer Longworth and her husband John Longworth were killed Nov. 10, 2012, when their home was destroyed in the Richmond Hill explosion. Rob Goebel/The Star Flowers and a plaque sit outside the front door of Southwest Elementary School in honor of second grade teacher Jennifer Longworth on Nov. 12, 2012. Longworth was killed when her home was destroyed in the Nov. 10, 2012, Richmond Hill explosion. Matt Detrich/The Star More than seven months after the 2012 Richmond Hill explosion residents began to rebuild their homes and their lives. Vicky and John Koerner, with their granddaughter Madison Mink, 2, visit their under-construction home on June 23, 2013. Their home was about 150 feet from ground zero of the blast. Robert Scheer/The Star Nearly one year after the Richmond Hill explosion, a blue tarp and fencing still covers the site of the origination of the blast. Michelle Pemberton/The Star Construction crews on Nov. 8, 2013, work on rebuilding a home across the street from ground zero of the blast. The Richmond Hill neighborhood was devasted by the explosion on Nov. 10, 2012. Michelle Pemberton/The Star Nearly one year after the Richmond Hill explosion a sign at the subdivision entrance reads "Richmond Hill Strong, United We Still Stand." Michelle Pemberton/The Star A fence still surrounded the site of Monserrate Shirley's home on Nov. 3, 2013, in the Richmond Hill subdivision. An explosion that devasted the neighborhood originated at the site. Brent Drinkut/The Star Glenn Olvey stands on the site of his home on Nov. 3, 2013, in the Richmond Hill subdivision. The Olveys' home was next door to Monserrate Shirley whose house exploded on Nov. 10, 2012. The home in the background had been rebuilt since the explosion. Brent Drinkut/The Star The playground in the Richmond Hill subdivision held a banner which was signed by many neighbors and well-wishers. The banner read "Richmond Hill United We Stand." Matt Kryger/The Star "Can wait to be back home" was the message painted on the home at8330 Fieldfare Way in the Richmond Hill subdivision. The house was heavily damaged by the Nov. 10, 2012, explosion which originated across the street at8349 Fieldfare Way. Matt Kryger/The Star The foundation was the only thing left of Monserrate Shirley's home at 8349 Fieldfare Way in the Richmond Hill Subdivision. The home was destroyed in a blast that originated in Shirley's house. Matt Kryger/The Star A damaged home in the Richmond Hill neighborhood still sits damaged on Dec. 21, 2012. It was destroyed on Nov. 10, 2012, in an explosion in the subdivision. Robert Scheer/The Star Demolition crews tear down homes in the Richmond Hill subdivision after being damaged in an explosion on Nov. 10, 2012. Robert Scheer from WTHR Chopper 13 Demolition crews tear down homes in the Richmond Hill subdivision after being damaged in an explosion on Nov. 10, 2012. Robert Scheer from WTHR Chopper 13 Vicky Koerner and her family's home was destroyed in the Richmond Hill explosion. A year after the blast, Koerner and her family were finally able to move into their new home which was rebuilt in the same spot. Matt Kryger / The Star Vicky Koerner stands on the patio of her newly rebuilt home in the Richmond Hill subdivision. Her home was destroyed in the Nov. 10, 2012, explosion. Matt Kryger/The Star Michael Koerner, 17, was credited with rescuing victims in the Nov. 10, 2012, explosion at Richmond Hill neighborhood. The teenager and his mother, Vicky Koerner, and their family moved back into their newly rebuilt home nearly a year after the explosion. Frank Espich/The Star
Photos courtesy of The Indy Star
Sketches from inside the courtroom:
Denise Robinson (left) Monserrate Shirley (center) and Judge John Marnocha (right) (Sketch by Dave Blodgett) Prosecutor Mark Hollingsworth (Sketch by Dave Blodgett) David Shircliff (left) Mark Leonard (center) and Diane Black (right) (Sketch by Dave Blodgett) Monserrate Shirley (Sketch by Dave Blodgett) Denise Robinson (Sketch by Dave Blodgett) Diane Black (Sketch by Dave Blodgett) Mark Leonard (Sketch by Dave Blodgett) Judge John Marnocha (Sketch by Dave Blodgett) Mark Leonard (left) and Defense attorney David Shircliff (right) in court. (Sketch by Dave Blodgett)
Photos from behind the scenes of FOX59’s coverage of Mark Leonard’s trial in South Bend:
FOX59 crew outside the St. Joseph County courthouse Reporter Charlie De Mar hard at work FOX59 crew outside the St. Joseph County courthouse Reporter Charlie De Mar reports from South Bend during a huge downpour. Web Producer Greg Margason filing a report from South Bend FOX59 rented a house in South Bend to use during coverage of Mark Leonard's trial. Reporter Charlie De Mar, Web Producer Greg Margason, and Photographer Greg Dunn outside the St. Joseph County courthouse FOX59 crew outside the St. Joseph County courthouse Reporter Russ McQuaid reports from South Bend