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Monserrate Shirley gets high-profile defense attorney James Voyles in Indianapolis home explosion

Posted at 9:24 AM, Jan 11, 2013
and last updated 2017-11-06 22:28:24-05

A woman facing murder and arson charges in the deadly Indianapolis neighborhood explosion now has a high-profile attorney.

Monserrate Shirley, who lived in the Richmond Hill home that exploded the night of Nov. 10, killing two neighbors, is now represented by James Voyles, a prominent Indianapolis defense lawyer known for his work with high-profile and celebrity clients.

Special Section: Indy Explosion

Shirley, her boyfriend, Mark Leonard, who also lived in the home, and his brother, Robert Leonard, were charged last month with two counts each of murder, one count each of conspiracy to commit arson, 33 counts each of arson, a Class B felony, and 12 counts each of arson, a Class A felony.

Prosecutors said the trio plotted to fill the couple's home with gas and ignite it using a microwave timer, killing neighbors John and Jennifer Longworth, leveling five homes and causing $4 million worth of damage in the neighborhood.

The death penalty will be under consideration in the case, prosecutors said.

Mark Leonard and Robert Leonard have hired taxpayer-funded public defenders.