Judge weighs plea deal for Indy house explosion defendant

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A plea agreement would drop most of the charges against one of three people charged in a deadly 2012 Indianapolis house explosion in return for testimony against her alleged co-conspirators.

Monserrate Shirley changed her plea Tuesday to guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit arson. Shirley may not have to serve any prison time under the terms of the deal.

Marion Superior Court Judge Sheila Carlisle didn't immediately rule on whether to approve the agreement.

Prosecutors agreed to drop dozens of other charges against Shirley, including two counts each of murder and felony murder.

The November 2012 blast damaged more than 80 homes and killed a couple who lived next door.

Shirley's then-boyfriend, Mark Leonard, and his brother, Bob Leonard, have pleaded not guilty to murder and arson charges.