Richmond Hill Explosion Lead Investigators; Marion County Prosecutor’s Office CFO Earn Prosecutor’s Awards

The lead investigators for the Richmond Hill Subdivision natural gas explosion case that triggered an “unprecedented investigation” that spanned four years with multiple convictions and trials in three Indiana cities were honored by Indiana prosecuting attorneys on December 4. Lead arson investigator Lt. Mario Garza of the Indianapolis Fire Department, and lead homicide investigator Det. Sgt. Jeffrey of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, were nominated for the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council Law Enforcement Award by Marion County Prosecutor Terry R. Curry.

Prosecutor Curry outlined the extreme diligence of the multiple-agency investigation as evidence was gathered to rule out an accidental explosion or prove an intentional act. Two residents were killed, seven injured, over 86 homes were damaged or destroyed, resulting in over $4 million in property damage.

As members of the prosecutor’s trial team, Lt. Garza and Det. Sgt. Wager demonstrated leadership, courage and tenacity in meting justice. Said Prosecutor Curry, “like our deputy prosecutors, Lt. Garza and Sgt. Wager were first in South Bend and then in Ft. Wayne for the trials of Mark and Bob Leonard…Hundreds of firefighters, police officers, sheriff deputies, federal investigators and other public safety officers deserve recognition for their work in this complex matter; however, we nominate Lt. Garza and Sgt. Wager for their leadership and commitment to obtaining justice on behalf of the residents of Richmond Hill and the families of Jennifer and Dion Longworth.”

Also honored from the Marion County Prosecutor’s office by Indiana prosecutors was Cindy Craig, recipient of the IPAC Kathy Falkner Richey Award for excellence in prosecutor’s office administration. Chief of Operations and Chief Financial Officer, Cindy Craig first began in the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office as a 16 year old student at Northwest High School. After 33 years she has served under five prosecutors in both Republican and Democrat administrations. She manages a budget of approximately $32.5 million in an office of almost 400 staff members.

Said Prosecutor Curry, “I could go on at length regarding Cindy’s contributions to our office. However, my recommendation can be simply stated. Cindy is indispensable to the operation of this office.”