Photo

Monserrate Shirley talks about the emotional toll the explosion that leveled her house, killed her neighbors. This interview took place days before Police arrested her as one of three prime suspects. (Photo by WISH-TV)

Regular Photo Size

Blast suspect's lawyer seeks new venue

Updated: Thursday, 24 Jan 2013, 11:31 AM EST
Published : Thursday, 24 Jan 2013, 11:29 AM EST

Shared from WISH-TV

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHI) - One of the suspects in the south side explosion that leveled dozen of homes is trying to get the trial moved out of Marion County.

Monserrate Shirley's attorney, Jim Voyles, said he has filed a motion for change of venue. In it, he said Shirley wouldn't be able to get a fair trial in Marion County or any nearby counties.

In the filing, Voyles said the trial wouldn't be fair locally because of hostility toward Shirley, public outrage over the explosion, news coverage that paints Shirley in a bad light and "speculative opinions as to her personality and character."

Shirley was charged with 49 felony charges after the explosion that killed her two neighbors and destroyed dozens of homes in the Richmond Hill neighborhood. Investigators said Shirley, her boyfriend and her boyfriend's brother intentionally set a gas explosion in their home for insurance money.

A judge will have to rule on Voyles's motion.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Opinions that are derogatory, attack other users or are offensive in nature may be removed. WTHI is not responsible for the content posted in this comment section. We reserve the right to remove any offensive or off-topic remark or thread. To mark a comment for review by a moderator, click "Report Abuse."