INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A couple accused of filling an Indianapolis house with natural gas and setting off an explosion that killed two people and damaged or destroyed dozens of homes will be tried separately.

An Indianapolis judge on Thursday granted requests by homeowner Monserrate Shirley and her boyfriend, Mark Leonard, that they be tried separately in the Nov. 10, 2012, explosion.

The two and Leonard's half brother, Robert Leonard, are charged with murder, arson and insurance fraud in connection with the blast that caused about $4.5 million damage.
 
Prosecutors sought a single trial and claimed the trio plotted together to blow up Shirley's house to collect insurance money.
 
Shirley's attorney, James Voyles, argued that his client wasn't aware of the scheme and that she was a victim of Mark Leonard's manipulation and abuse.