Indiana Man Charged After Cleaning Worker Fatally Shot at Wrong Address

Authorities in Indiana have charged a Whitestown man in connection with the death of a cleaning crew member who mistakenly arrived at his home earlier this month. Officials say 40-year-old Curt Andersen is now facing one count of voluntary manslaughter, a Level 2 felony, following the fatal shooting of Maria Florinda Rios Perez de Velasquez.

Prosecutors announced the charge on Monday and noted that Indiana’s Stand Your Ground law does not appear to apply in this case. According to a probable cause affidavit, officers with the Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department were dispatched to Andersen’s residence around 6:50 a.m. on November 5 for a report of a possible break-in.

When officers arrived, they found a man holding his wife on the front porch. She was identified as Maria Florinda Rios Perez de Velasquez and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officials reported evidence inside the home consistent with a single gunshot being fired.

Investigators later learned that the couple had been scheduled to clean a model home in the neighborhood but had mistakenly gone to Andersen’s residence. They attempted to unlock the door with the keys provided by their employer, unaware they were at the wrong location.

According to the affidavit, Andersen told officers he heard noises at the door and believed someone was trying to enter the home. He retrieved a handgun and fired a shot toward the door without making verbal contact. He told investigators the noise frightened him and that he feared forced entry was occurring.

Inside interviews, the victim’s husband told authorities they were simply attempting to open what they thought was the correct property using several keys they had been given. He stated they did not use force and had no reason to believe they were at the wrong home until after the gunshot.

The Boone County Prosecutor’s Office said they reviewed all available evidence before deciding to file charges. Prosecutor Kent Eastwood emphasized that while Indiana’s self-defense laws are respected, the circumstances in this case did not fit within the protections offered by the statute. Andersen remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court and is currently being held without bond.

Following the prosecutor’s announcement, attorneys representing the victim’s family held a press conference, explaining that they may pursue additional claims through insurance channels. They expressed gratitude for the support shown to the family and emphasized their hope for justice on behalf of the victim and her children.

Andersen’s legal team responded by expressing disappointment with the filing of charges. His attorney said they believe Andersen acted out of fear during a confusing early-morning situation and that they look forward to presenting their perspective in court. They maintain that the case should be evaluated based on what Andersen perceived in the moment, not with hindsight.

Court proceedings are expected to begin later this week as the investigation continues and both sides prepare to move forward.