Indianapolis Home Explosion Now a Homicide Investigation

Officials not saying if they have any suspects in case

Authorities launched a homicide investigation Monday into the house explosion that killed a young couple and left numerous homes uninhabitable in an Indianapolis neighborhood.

Indianapolis Homeland Security Director Gary Coons made the announcement after meeting with residents of the subdivision where the Nov. 10 blast occurred and just hours after funerals were held for the two victims, who lived next door to the house where investigators believe the explosion originated.

"We are turning this into a criminal homicide investigation," Coons said, though he didn't indicate whether police had any suspects.

Search warrants are being executed and officials are looking for a white van that was seen in the subdivision on the day of the blast, Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry said. Authorities are offering at least a $10,000 reward.

Curry said the investigation is aimed at "determining if there are individuals who may be responsible for this explosion and fire." Neither he nor Coons took questions. No arrests have been made.

Officials have said they believe natural gas was involved in the explosion, which leveled two homes and left dozens more uninhabitable. Investigators have been focusing on appliances as they search for a cause.

Funerals were held earlier Monday for the couple killed in the explosion, 34-year-old John Dion Longworth and 36-year-old Jennifer Longworth.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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