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CALL 6: Prosecutors considering possible plea deal for Richmond Hill Explosion suspect

Gary Thompson accused in fatal 2012 blast
Posted at 6:03 PM, Aug 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-04 00:11:37-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- A plea deal may be in the words for Richmond Hill Explosion suspect Gary Thompson.

Sources close to the case told Call 6 Investigators that the Marion County Prosecutor's Office is considering offering Thompson a plea deal.

Thompson is the third suspect to face trial in connection with the deadly 2012 explosion.

Prior to the successful attempt to blow up the home, owned by alleged co-conspirator Monserratte Shirley – who has confessed to her role in the insurance fraud scheme – investigators say there were two failed attempts.

During one of those failed attempts, Thompson was allegedly offered $5,000 to assist in the scheme.

Sources close to the case told Call 6 Investigators that the Marion County Prosecutor's Office is considering offering Thompson a plea deal that could see him face 8-10 years in prison.

SPECIAL SECTION | Full coverage of the Richmond Hill Explosion

Thompson is the third suspect to face trial in connection with the deadly 2012 explosion.

Prior to the successful attempt to blow up the home, owned by alleged co-conspirator Monserratte Shirley – who has confessed to her role in the insurance fraud scheme – investigators say there were two failed attempts.

During one of those failed attempts, Thompson was allegedly offered $5,000 to assist in the scheme.

Thompson reportedly got scared and didn't go through with the plan, however.

The Marion County Prosecutor's Office will reportedly meet with residents of the Richmond Hill neighborhood on Monday.

The office would not comment on whether a plea deal is on the table. None of the families involved in the explosion would comment.

Two other suspects, brothers Mark Ray Leonard and Bob Leonard Jr., have already been sentenced to multiple life sentences for their roles in the explosion.