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Monday, Dec 24, 2012 12:15 PM UTC

3 charged in Indianapolis home blast due in court

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Topics: From the Wires,

3 charged in Indianapolis home blast due in courtA home in the Richmond Hills neighborhood that was damaged by an explosion on Nov. 10, 2012, is torn down Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, in Indianapolis. The massive explosion sparked a huge fire and killed two people in Indianapolis. Prosecutors have charged a homeowner, her boyfriend and his brother with murder after causing the massive house explosion. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (Credit: AP)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Three people charged in a gas explosion that devastated an Indianapolis neighborhood, killing a couple, are set to appear before a judge.

Homeowner Monserrate Shirley, her boyfriend Mark Leonard and his brother, Bob Leonard, face initial court appearances set for Monday morning.

The three were arrested Friday on charges of murder, arson and other counts following the Nov. 10 blast that killed a couple living next to Shirley’s home. The explosion destroyed Shirley’s house and four others and damaged dozens more.

Investigators say the three planned the explosion for an insurance payout. Court documents say Shirley was facing $63,000 in credit card debt and bankruptcy proceedings. Prosecutors say Mark Leonard recently lost $10,000 at a casino.

An attorney for Shirley and Mark Leonard told The Associated Press they maintain innocence.

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