Indiana NewsLocal News

House explosion ringleader’s appeal goes to IN high court

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ Indiana’s high court is taking up the appeal of a man convicted in a deadly Indianapolis house explosion.

The state Supreme Court will hear arguments Thursday in 47-year-old Mark Leonard’s direct appeal of his murder and arson convictions.

He was convicted in July 2015 in the natural gas blast that destroyed his then-girlfriend’s home and killed two next-door neighbors. A judge sentenced Leonard to two life sentences without parole plus 75 years in the November 2012 explosion.

Leonard’s appeal contends that testimony about a separate murder-for hire scheme he is charged in should never have been presented at his trial.

Prosecutors say Leonard spearheaded a plot to destroy the house to collect insurance money. Four others were charged in that scheme, including Leonard’s half-brother, who was convicted in February.

Related posts

Indiana Lawmakers Focus On Education Bills Amid Wednesday Discussions

Network Indiana

House Speaker Paul Ryan visits Fort Wayne

Darrin Wright

FWPD Looking for Attempted Shooting Suspect

Tom Franklin

Leave a Comment