Prosecutor challenges change of venue request in explosion case

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The Marion County prosecutor’s office has filed a motion opposing a request to move the trial out of Marion County for one of the suspects in the south side explosion.

Monserrate Shirley’s attorney had requested the trial be moved outside of Marion County or surrounding counties for a number of reasons.

In a court filing, the prosecutor’s office called into question whether Shirley’s attorney filed the request on time. It also pointed out that some of the media attention surrounding Shirley and another suspect, Mark Leonard, were because their then-attorney made statements to the media and made Leonard and Shirley available.

A judge will consider the motions and rule on whether the case will remain in Indianapolis.

Shirley, Leonard and Leonard’s brother, Bob Leonard, are facing multiple felony charges after investigators say they intentionally set a gas explosion for insurance money.