One of the suspects accused of setting an explosion at an Indianapolis home last year that killed two people may be ready to implicate her boyfriend. Monserrate Shirley has filed court documents to have a separate trial.
The filings suggest that she will tell a judge that her boyfriend Mark Leonard gave her no control over her life. Shirley, Leonard, and Leonard‘s brother Bob Jr. are charged with two counts of murder and over 50 counts of arson. Shirley‘s lawyer James Voyles filed a lengthy narrative to the court that stated Shirley was trapped in an emotionally abusive relationship.
The documents indicate Shirley was naive and controlled by Leonard. In other documents filed to the court, Voyles cited the criminal histories of Mark and Bob Leonard. Several witnesses claimed they were duped by Leonard in insurance scams. A court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
