Whitestown, IN — A tragic case unfolded in Indiana when 32-year-old Maria Florinda Rios Perez, a cleaning professional and mother of four, was shot and killed by a homeowner after mistakenly arriving at the wrong address for a cleaning appointment.
Police say the heartbreaking incident happened on Wednesday in Whitestown, where Rios Perez and her husband had gone to perform a routine house-cleaning job. The couple unknowingly went to the wrong home, prompting the resident to fire a fatal shot through the door.
Mistaken Arrival Leads to Tragedy
According to Whitestown police, officers initially responded to a report of a possible home invasion. However, investigators later determined that there had been no break-in attempt.
“The facts gathered do not support that a residential entry occurred,” the police department stated on Facebook. “It was later determined that the individuals attempting to enter the home were members of a cleaning crew who had mistakenly arrived at the wrong address.”
The police called the situation a “profound tragedy,” adding:
“The loss of life is always a profound tragedy, and our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected.”
As reported by Fox News, the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing the case to decide whether criminal charges will be filed against the homeowner.
Husband’s Desperate Plea for Justice
Rios Perez’s husband, Mauricio Velásquez, told local media that the shooting happened without warning as they approached the front door.
“They should’ve called the police first instead of just shooting out of nowhere like that,” Velásquez told WTTV.
He described the devastating moment he found his wife mortally wounded.
“Seeing my wife in my arms, already lifeless, covered in blood, I felt like they tore everything from me,” he said in an interview with Telemundo during a memorial service.
According to police, the shot was fired through the door. The homeowner has not yet been identified, as investigators said the case remains “complex, delicate, and evolving.”
Investigation Underway
The Boone County Prosecutor’s Office is now examining the details surrounding the shooting, including Indiana’s stand-your-ground law, which allows individuals to use deadly force in defense of their property under certain circumstances.
Prosecutor Kent Eastwood told The Indianapolis Star that the case poses difficult legal questions.
“This is a complex case because of the language in the state’s stand-your-ground law,” Eastwood explained.
Authorities have confirmed that the manner of death was ruled a homicide. Police have not stated whether the homeowner will face charges.
Remembering Maria Florinda Rios Perez
Originally from Guatemala, Maria Rios Perez was remembered by her family as a devoted mother and wife who worked hard to support her loved ones.
“Maria was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a caring sister, and a cherished daughter,” her obituary reads. “She was known for her beautiful spirit, her kindness toward others, and the love she poured into her family every single day.”
Friends and family gathered in Whitestown to honor her life, describing her as a kind-hearted woman whose death has left the local community reeling.
Community Reaction
Residents across Whitestown have expressed shock and sorrow over the incident, calling for justice and accountability. Many have also urged for greater awareness of how stand-your-ground laws apply in cases of mistaken identity.
Police said they will release additional information once the prosecutor’s review is complete.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case and the broader debate around self-defense laws? Share your views in the comments below.
