Residents of exploded home respond to news of homicide investigation

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - After news that the fatal explosion on the south side of Indianapolis was being investigated as a homicide – and that $11,000 in reward money was being offered to encourage tipsters to come forward, the residents of the home that exploded are speaking out through their attorney.

Monserrate Shirley was not home the night the blast occurred on Nov. 10 , killing her neighbors, Dion and Jennifer Longworth . She was in southern Indiana at a casino with her boyfriend, Mark Leonard.

Investigators have been on scene since the explosion, which leveled two homes and damaged dozens of others. Monday, the Marion County prosecutor acknowledged officials are now considering it a homicide investigation .

Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is offering a $10,000 reward for an arrest and conviction in the case.

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Randall Cable, attorney for Shirley and Leonard, issued a statement on their behalf late Monday night, and said his clients requested to be left alone.

Here is the statement in its entirety:

Monserrate Shirley and Mark Leonard watched in bewilderment the news report that the authorities are now treating the investigation as a criminal investigation as well as a causation search. The two remain horrified at the tragic events, destruction, and loss of lives that occurred and have been cooperating with the authorities since their return to Indianapolis over the weekend. They have cooperated fully with various investigators and agencies on multiple occasions and have answered each and every question including speculation as to whether they may have been targeted by anyone. They wish for the causation of this horrific and saddening tragedy to be determined. The speculation of social media has centered on various aspects of their lives targeting them in the investigation.  Throughout the days since that night the two have been pursued by media constantly requesting interviews as to how they are doing, and how they feel.  Assumptions by everyone have had a field day at their expense. They continue to cooperate with the authorities and will have no further comments.  

Investigators haven't named any suspects and gave few details about their investigation, other than revealing that they are looking for information on a white van seen in the area.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at (317) 262-TIPS.