Indiana Homeowner Charged with Voluntary Manslaughter After Cleaner Mistakenly Arrives at Wrong House

Homeowner charged after fatal shooting of house cleaner who went to wrong address

Boone County prosecutors have charged a Whitestown homeowner with one count of voluntary manslaughter after a house cleaner who arrived at the wrong residence was fatally shot, Boone County Prosecutor Kent Eastwood announced on Nov. 17.

Victim and scene

The victim was identified as Maria Florinda Rios Perez de Velasquez, 32, a mother of four from Indianapolis. She was found dead on the front porch of a home in Whitestown shortly before 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The Boone County Coroner confirmed her cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head.

What investigators say happened

Whitestown police say Rios Perez de Velasquez and her husband, Mauricio Velazquez, arrived at the property as members of a cleaning crew. Mauricio told reporters that he and his wife had been cleaning houses for about seven months. He said he had trouble opening the door and his wife took the keys from him; seconds later, family members said, she was shot and fell into his arms.

Officers responded to a 911 call reporting a possible residential entry in progress. When police arrived they found Rios Perez de Velasquez on the porch next to her husband; first responders attempted lifesaving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Whitestown police later stated that "the facts gathered do not support that a residential entry occurred."

Statements from the homeowner and prosecutors

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, the homeowner, identified as Curt Andersen, told officers he did not announce himself or say anything to the couple before firing. Andersen also reportedly told investigators that after the shot he heard a man crying but assumed he had just startled them.

"This is a heartbreaking case for everyone involved," Boone County Prosecutor Kent Eastwood said in an earlier statement. He added that prosecutors would review the facts and apply Indiana law "impartially and fairly."

After reviewing the investigation and considering Indiana's "Stand Your Ground" provisions — which can permit the use of deadly force if a person reasonably believes it is necessary to stop an intruder — Eastwood announced that Andersen's actions do not fall within those legal protections and charges were filed.

Legal status and community response

Andersen is being held without bond and is awaiting his initial court appearance. PEOPLE was unable to reach Andersen for comment, and it is unclear whether he has retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.

The shooting prompted community outrage. Family, friends and supporters held a vigil outside the prosecutor's office on Nov. 10 calling for answers and justice. Rios Perez de Velasquez's brother launched a GoFundMe to repatriate and bury her in Guatemala; the campaign has raised more than $100,000.

Prosecutors say they will move forward with criminal charges and seek to prove at trial that Andersen's use of deadly force was not legally justified under Indiana law.