INDIANAPOLIS – One of five people charged in a deadly house explosion that devastated an Indianapolis neighborhood has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit arson.
Forty-five-year-old Gary Thompson was sentenced Friday to 30 years, with 10 years suspended, and two years of probation under a plea agreement.
The November 2012 natural gas explosion leveled the home of co-conspirator Monserrate Shirley, killed a couple who lived next door and damaged or destroyed more than 80 homes.
Shirley's boyfriend, plot leader Mark Leonard, and his half brother, Bob Leonard, have been convicted of murder arson and other charges and sentenced to two life sentences, plus at least 70 years.
Shirley and a fifth defendant, Glenn Hults, also have pleaded guilty and await sentencing later this month.
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