Frantic 911 calls made after an insurance scam explosion that devastated a community have been laid bare in Netflix's new true crime series, Worst Neighbor Ever. The anthology series, following Worst Ex Ever and Worst Roommate Ever, explores real-life neighbour disputes that take a fatal turn.
The 2012 Indiana Explosion
The second episode transports viewers back to November 10, 2012, when a catastrophic explosion obliterated Monserrate 'Moncy' Shirley's home in Indiana. The blast claimed two lives in the surrounding area, injured numerous others, and reduced dozens of homes to rubble. Investigators later uncovered that Shirley, her boyfriend Mark Leonard, and his brother had conspired to ignite a fire intended to generate an insurance payout, but their scheme triggered a devastating explosion.
One neighbour recalled: "At first, we thought we were being bombed. Our whole house lifted up off the foundation." Another added: "It was like one of those mortar fireworks going off right next to your house."
Harrowing 911 Calls
The documentary features disturbing video footage of the explosion and the ensuing inferno, highlighting some of the harrowing calls made to emergency services. In one phone call, a neighbour said: "Something literally just exploded," as another asked: "What just happened?" A third said: "We had a large boom, I don't know if it was a bomb, a gun went off or what."
Describing the devastating scenes, one resident recalled: "The flames were just massive. The street looked like it had snowed, but this bright light of fire is in the distance." A conversation between emergency services continued: "We've had an explosion at a house, we're going to need medics, IFD, it's going to be a major incident control."
Series Format and Impact
Immersing viewers in a succession of events encompassing intimidation and violence, Worst Neighbor Ever draws upon genuine bodycam footage and CCTV to illustrate exactly what unfolded. Alongside devastating testimonies from victims, the series also distinguishes itself through its striking use of animated re-enactments to convey each story. An official synopsis reads: "You think you know your neighbors? Think again. This new series features firsthand accounts of violence, intimidation, and harassment that are more shocking than ever. Through compelling testimonials, startling body cam footage, and animated reenactments, Worst Neighbor Ever proves the people next door aren't just a nuisance - they're lethal."
The episode delves into how Shirley, her boyfriend Mark, and his brother conspired to ignite a fire for an insurance payout, but their scheme caused untold devastation for years to come. Worst Neighbor Ever is available to stream on Netflix.
