A tragic incident unfolded in Indiana when a cleaning lady was fatally shot by a homeowner after arriving at the incorrect address for a scheduled cleaning job, as reported by authorities.
The victim, 32-year-old Maria Florinda Rios Perez, was tragically discovered deceased in the embrace of her husband on the doorstep of a residence in Whitestown, Indiana. The couple had accidentally gone to the wrong location for their cleaning appointment last Wednesday.
Initially, Whitestown police were called to the scene on suspicion of a home invasion. However, after investigating, they determined that there was no evidence to support the occurrence of a break-in.
“It later became clear that the individuals trying to enter the home were part of a cleaning crew that had mistakenly arrived at the incorrect address,” the police clarified through a post on Facebook.
Maria Florinda Rios Perez’s tragic passing was confirmed on Wednesday, leaving her husband devastated. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the grieving family.
“The loss of life is an immeasurable tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by this incident,” stated the police department.
Police submitted the case to the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office for review to determine whether criminal charges will be brought against the homeowner. The manner of death has been ruled a homicide.
“We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to her family and loved ones during this difficult time,” police wrote on Friday.
Police have not yet released the identity of the homeowner who shot the woman, saying this “is a complex, delicate, and evolving case, and it would be both inappropriate and potentially dangerous to disclose that information.”
Maria Florinda Rios Perez, 32, was found dead in her husband’s arms on the front porch of a home in Whitestown, Indiana, after the pair mistakenly showed up at the wrong address for a cleaning. (Sprowl Funeral & Cremation Care)
According to reports, the woman was a mother of four and originally from Guatemala.
“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.”
The woman’s husband, Mauricio Velásquez, said he wanted justice for his wife.
Velásquez told WTTV that the bullet was fired through the door of the home.
Maria Florinda Rios Perez, 32, was a mother of four originally from Guatemala. (Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department)
“They should’ve called the police first instead of just shooting out of nowhere like that,” he said.
“Seeing my wife in my arms, already lifeless, covered in blood, I felt like they tore everything from me,” Velásquez told Telemundo at a memorial for his wife.
Boone County prosecutor Kent Eastwood told The Indianapolis Star that the case is complex because of language in the state’s stand-your-ground law.
