Indy blast now a homicide investigation

Gary Coons, chief of the Indianapolis Department of Public Safety’s Homeland Security division, addressed media and residents last Monday to announce the blast that killed two and leveled a Richmond Hill neighborhood Nov. 10 is now being investigated as a criminal homicide.

Authorities are seeking information regarding a white van that may have been in the area the night of the explosion. Those with additional information regarding the van or the events that occurred that evening are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.

The explosion occurred in the late-evening hours Nov. 10, killing Jennifer Longworth, 36, and her husband, John Longworth, 34. The blast itself leveled the Longworths’ residence as well as the residence of Monseratte Shirley, 47. This is the house where authorities believe the explosion originated.

Authorities said Shirley was away from the residence  at Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg, Ind. with her

boyfriend, Mark Leonard, who also lived at the home. Shirley’s daughter was staying with a friend and the cat had been boarded. All houses occupants had been out of the house since Friday, the day before the blast.

— Michael Majchrowicz