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Trial delayed for Indianapolis explosion suspects

– The trial of three people charged with murder and other counts stemming from an Indianapolis house explosion likely won’t begin until next year after a judge granted defense attorneys’ request for more time to review evidence, a prosecutor said Wednesday.

Marion Superior Court Judge Sheila Carlisle ordered attorneys to confer with one another on possible trial dates during a hearing in which new charges were read against the defendants.

Deputy Marion County Prosecutor Denise Robinson said afterward that it’s most likely a trial won’t begin until next year because preparation for what she called a “standard” murder case typically takes nine to 12 months.

“And, this case is very complicated,” she said. “We’ll be ready when the defense is ready. That could be yet in 2013. But, I think realistically, we’re looking at going into 2014.”

The trial originally was scheduled to begin next month. Carlisle doesn’t expect to set a new date until mid-April.

Multiple trials also are possible after attorneys for two of the defendants, Monserrate Shirley and boyfriend Mark Leonard, said they plan to file motions seeking to have their clients tried separately. The third defendant is Leonard’s brother, Bob.

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