Tragic Mistake Leads to Fatal Shooting
A homeowner in Whitestown, Indiana now faces criminal charges after fatally shooting a house cleaner who mistakenly arrived at the wrong residence. The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, when Maria Florinda Rios Perez De Velasquez went to clean what she believed was her scheduled home.
Details of the Fatal Encounter
According to authorities, the victim arrived at the incorrect Whitestown address to perform her cleaning duties. The homeowner, whose identity remains protected under Indiana's self-defense laws initially, allegedly shot and killed the 45-year-old house cleaner after she approached the property.
Investigators from the local police department and crime scene technicians were photographed working at the location in images released by WRTV. The footage shows multiple law enforcement vehicles and officials collecting evidence throughout the day following the tragic event.
Legal Proceedings and Community Impact
The Boone County Prosecutor's Office has formally filed charges against the homeowner, though specific charges haven't been publicly detailed yet. This case highlights ongoing debates about stand-your-ground laws and proper use of force in residential situations.
Maria Florinda Rios Perez De Velasquez was described by neighbors as a hardworking mother of three who had been cleaning homes throughout the Indianapolis metropolitan area for over a decade. Community members have organized vigils and fundraising efforts to support her family, who migrated from Guatemala fifteen years ago.
Local immigrant advocacy groups have called for thorough investigation into whether racial bias played any role in the shooting, noting that similar incidents involving minority service workers have occurred in other states recently.
