Indiana Man Charged with Manslaughter in Fatal Shooting of Cleaning Woman

A 62-year-old Indiana homeowner has been charged with voluntary manslaughter following the fatal shooting of a cleaning woman who mistakenly approached his residence. The incident occurred on November 5 in Whitestown, a suburb of Indianapolis, when María Florinda Ríos Pérez de Velásquez, 32, and her husband arrived at the wrong house, believing it was their cleaning assignment.

The homeowner, Curt Andersen, reportedly fired a single shot through his front door, striking Ms. Ríos Pérez de Velásquez in the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Andersen was subsequently arrested and, if convicted, faces a prison sentence ranging from 10 to 30 years.

Boone County Prosecutor Kent T. Eastwood commented on the case, stating, "This is a tragedy for everyone involved." He noted that Indiana's self-defense laws would be carefully considered in the legal proceedings.

Ms. Ríos Pérez de Velásquez, originally from Guatemala, had immigrated to the United States with her husband approximately three years ago. She was the mother of four children, the youngest being one year old.

The incident has drawn attention to similar cases nationwide where homeowners have used lethal force against individuals mistakenly arriving at their properties. Ms. Ríos Pérez de Velásquez's family has been vocal in seeking justice, advocating for charges against the shooter through interviews, social media, and public demonstrations.