Homeowner’s Concerns Overlooked Twice Before Fatal Shooting of House Cleaner
A recent tragic incident in Indiana has sparked widespread concern regarding homeowner’s safety and the potential consequences of misjudgment in perceived threats. On November 5, a house cleaner, Maria Florinda Rios Perez, was fatally shot by homeowner Curt Andersen, who mistook her for an intruder.
Background of the Incident
Police had previously responded to two separate reports of suspicious activity at Andersen’s residence. Whitestown Police confirmed that these incidents occurred within the last two years—one in 2023 and another in 2024. In both instances, officers found no evidence of criminal behavior.
Andersen, 62, was arrested on suspicion of voluntary manslaughter following the shooting. He claimed he feared an intruder was attempting to break into his home when he shot Rios Perez, 32, a Guatemalan immigrant.
The Victim and Her Background
Maria Florinda Rios Perez was working with her husband as a house cleaner at a model home in the area. They mistakenly approached Andersen’s residence on Maize Lane, leading to this tragic confrontation. Rios Perez was a mother of four, with children aged 17 years to just 11 months.
Local Community Reactions
Reactions from the community have highlighted Andersen’s long-standing fear of crime. Brittany Barker, a former neighbor, described Andersen as overly paranoid. She recalled conversations where she tried to reassure him that crime could happen anywhere and that he shouldn’t live in constant fear.
- Andersen and his wife rarely engaged with their neighbors.
- Barker characterized him as quirky but ultimately harmless.
Previous Precautions Taken by Andersen
In light of his fears, Andersen had reportedly devised plans for handling potential break-ins. He constructed a designated “safe room” within his home for emergencies. However, his precautionary measures took a tragic turn when he reacted to a non-threatening situation.
Legal Proceedings and Community Impact
Andersen’s first court appearance is scheduled soon, drawing local interest. The consequences of this incident have raised questions about how homeowners weigh their safety concerns against the potential for fatal misjudgments.
The family of Rios Perez has expressed their grief and frustration. Her husband, Mauricio Velásquez, emphasized the pain of losing his wife and the impact on their children. They are calling for justice, demanding accountability for the incident that resulted in this heartbreaking loss.
