He’s Accused of Killing House Cleaner Who Mistakenly Showed Up to His Home for Work — and Now He’s Charged

A homeowner is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter after fatally shooting Maria Florinda Rios Perez de Velasquez, a 32-year-old mother of four who was working as a house cleaner and mistakenly went to the wrong address. The tragic incident occurred on the morning of November 5 in Boone County, Indiana. Prosecutors have confirmed that Curt Andersen has been charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter in relation to the death of Maria Florinda Rios Perez de Velasquez. The victim, a hardworking mother and member of a cleaning crew, was found dead on the front porch of a residence in Whitestown, an Indianapolis suburb.

Police responded to a 911 call reporting a possible residential entry in progress, only to discover that no such entry had taken place. Maria Florinda Rios Perez de Velasquez was found with a fatal gunshot wound, next to her husband who was also present at the scene. Her husband, Mauricio Velazquez, recounted the horrifying moment when she was shot in the head while at the front door of the home. Despite their innocent intentions, the couple faced a tragic outcome, leaving behind a devastated family and community.

Authorities gathered that Andersen did not communicate with the couple before firing the fatal shot, failing to properly assess the situation. The police investigation revealed that the circumstances did not align with claims of a residential entry, raising questions about Andersen’s actions. Prosecuting attorney Kent Eastwood expressed the challenges of the case, acknowledging the emotional toll surrounding the incident. Despite legal considerations such as the Stand Your Ground law, Eastwood emphasized that Andersen’s actions did not meet the criteria for self-defense in this particular case.

The victim’s family, friends, and supporters have demanded justice for Maria Florinda Rios Perez de Velasquez, organising a vigil outside the prosecutor’s office and launching a fundraiser to cover funeral expenses in her native Guatemala. The tragic loss of a hardworking mother has deeply impacted the community, highlighting the importance of accountability and justice in cases of fatal shootings. Andersen remains in custody without bond as he awaits his court hearing, with the prosecution committed to seeking justice for the victim and her grieving family in this heart-wrenching case. The incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of lethal force and the need for diligence and responsibility in such critical situations.