Housekeeper, Mom of 4, Shot Dead at Wrong House for Job
On the morning of November 5, 2025, a tragic mistake turned fatal in Whitestown, Indiana, when Maria Florinda Rios Perez De Velasquez, a 32-year-old Guatemalan immigrant and mother of four, was shot and killed outside a home she and her husband mistakenly approached for a cleaning job. This heartbreaking incident raises questions about worker safety, the complexities of self-defense laws, and the vulnerabilities faced by immigrant families striving to make a living.
A Tragic Error: The Wrong Address
Maria Florinda Rios Perez De Velasquez and her husband, Mauricio Velasquez, had been working as house cleaners for seven months, traveling to various homes to provide their services. On that fateful Wednesday morning, they arrived at what they believed was their assigned residence in Whitestown, a suburb of Indianapolis with a population of about 10,000. Using a key, Maria attempted to unlock the front door, unaware that they had the wrong address.
As she tried the door, the homeowner inside fired a gunshot that struck Maria in the head. She collapsed into her husband's arms on the porch, bleeding and lifeless. Emergency responders arrived quickly but found her already deceased at the scene.
Who Was Maria Florinda Rios Perez De Velasquez?
Maria was more than a house cleaner; she was a devoted mother to four children, ranging in age from 1 to 17. Her family described her as a hardworking woman who was simply trying to provide for her loved ones. An immigrant from Guatemala, Maria's life was a testament to the challenges and hopes of many immigrant families in the United States, balancing the demands of work and family while navigating unfamiliar environments.
Her brother expressed the family's grief and frustration, emphasizing that Maria was unarmed and posed no threat when she was shot. The family plans to bury her in Guatemala, underscoring the deep ties and sacrifices immigrant families maintain across borders.
The Incident and the Homeowner's Response
The Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department (WMPD) confirmed that Maria and her husband were on the porch when the shooting occurred, and neither had entered the home. The police statement clarified that the facts gathered did not support that a residential entry had taken place, which is a critical detail in understanding the legal context of the shooting.
The homeowner has not been publicly identified, and the investigation remains open. Authorities are working to unravel the exact circumstances that led to the shooting, including reviewing witness interviews and any available doorbell camera footage. The Boone County Coroner ruled Maria's death a homicide due to the gunshot wound, but this classification does not automatically imply criminal intent or charges against the shooter.
The Role of Indiana's Castle Doctrine
This case brings Indiana's castle doctrine laws into sharp focus. These laws, present in 31 states, allow homeowners to use reasonable force, including deadly force, to prevent what they reasonably believe to be an unlawful entry into their dwelling. The doctrine is designed to protect residents from intruders, but its application can be complex, especially in cases involving mistaken identity or accidental entry.
Boone County Prosecutor Kent Eastwood acknowledged the difficulty in deciding whether to file charges, noting the challenge in determining what constitutes reasonable force in such situations. The prosecutor must carefully examine every detail to understand the moments leading up to the shooting and assess the homeowner's perception of threat.
Worker Safety and Immigrant Families
Maria's death highlights the risks faced by workers, especially those in service industries who often navigate unfamiliar neighborhoods and may lack clear communication or support. For immigrant families like Maria's, these risks are compounded by language barriers, economic pressures, and the need to take on multiple jobs to support their households.
The tragedy also raises awareness about the importance of clear job instructions and safety protocols for workers who enter private homes. Employers and agencies that coordinate such work might consider additional measures to prevent similar incidents, such as verifying addresses, providing detailed directions, or using technology to confirm locations before arrival.
What This Means Going Forward
As the investigation continues, the community and the nation are left to grapple with the balance between self-defense rights and the protection of innocent lives. Maria's story is a sobering reminder of how quickly a simple mistake can escalate into irreversible tragedy.
References: A House Cleaner and Mother of Four Approached the Wrong Address. She Was Shot and Killed | House cleaner killed after going to wrong house in Indianapolis suburb | AP News
