Indianapolis house explosion suspect now charged with plotting to have witness killed

LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) -- A suspect in the deadly house explosion in Indianapolis that killed two people is now charged with plotting to have a witness in the case killed.

Mark Leonard, his girlfriend Monserrate Shirley, and his brother Bob Leonard are awaiting trial in the blast that happened Nov. 10. The explosion killed two people and damaged 33 homes so badly that they had to be demolished.

Investigators say the suspects set off the gas explosion hoping to collect insurance money.

Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry says a jail guard overheard a phone call in which Mark Leonard was plotting to kill a witness who could testify against him.

All three defendants face murder, arson and conspiracy charges. Shirley also is charged with insurance fraud.