Mark Leonard's Role in Richmond Hill Explosion Detailed in Netflix's 'Worst Neighbor Ever'

The Netflix docuseries "Worst Neighbor Ever" features an episode titled "Midwest Meltdown" that delves into the 2012 Richmond Hill explosion. The second episode of the series focuses on Mark Leonard and his involvement in the devastating event that killed two people and destroyed dozens of homes.

According to the series' description, "Midwest Meltdown" follows Monserrate Shirley, known as "Moncy," who became an integral part of the Richmond Hill, Indiana community after moving there. Following a divorce, Shirley moved her new boyfriend, Mark Leonard, into her home. Concerns grew among Shirley's friends as Leonard had a criminal record. The situation escalated on November 10, 2012, when Shirley's house exploded, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, injuring dozens more, and causing widespread destruction to over 30 homes.

Reports indicate that Leonard and Shirley orchestrated the explosion, filling Shirley's home with natural gas with the intent to collect insurance money. The explosion killed their neighbors, Dion and Jennifer Longworth. Leonard was found guilty on 53 counts related to the incident. He died in 2018 while serving his prison sentence after falling ill and being taken to the hospital.

Shirley entered into a plea agreement in 2015, which required her to testify against Leonard and his half-brother, Bob, who was also implicated and promised payment for his assistance. Shirley pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit arson.

"Worst Neighbor Ever" is a true-crime docuseries that explores alarming instances of violence, intimidation, and harassment perpetrated by neighbors. The series utilizes a combination of live-action footage and animated reenactments to recount these cases. The series is currently available for streaming on Netflix.