A 32-year-old mother of four, Maria Florinda Ríos Pérez, was tragically shot and killed on Wednesday morning after mistakenly arriving at the wrong house for a cleaning job in Whitestown, Indiana. The heartbreaking incident was witnessed by her husband, Mauricio Velázquez, who attempted to console her as she bled out on the porch.
What Happened
Maria Florinda Ríos Pérez, along with her husband Mauricio Velázquez, both self-employed cleaners, arrived at what they believed was the correct address for a scheduled cleaning job in the quiet suburb of Whitestown, about 22 miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis. The couple double-checked the address and even circled the neighborhood to confirm they were at the right home.
According to reports from IndyStar, as they approached the door, Pérez took the keyring from her husband after teasing him for fumbling with it. Just as she was about to unlock the door, a single gunshot rang out. Velázquez recounted the moment to IndyStar, saying, “She didn’t even put the key in when I heard the shot happen.” He saw his wife stagger back twice before dropping to the ground. Despite his desperate efforts to console her, Pérez was soon bleeding heavily, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Response and Investigation
Police responded to a 911 call reporting a possible home invasion around 7 a.m. When officers arrived, they found the couple on the porch. Despite attempts to save Pérez, she could not be revived. Whitestown Metropolitan Police later confirmed that the couple had not been attempting a break-in. They had mistakenly arrived at the wrong address, believing it was their client’s home.
“The facts gathered do not support that a residential entry occurred,” the police said in a statement. “The loss of life is always a profound tragedy, and our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected.”
Legal Context: Indiana’s “Stand Your Ground” Law
Indiana’s “stand your ground” law allows homeowners to use deadly force if they believe it is necessary to prevent an unlawful entry or attack. Boone County Prosecutor Kent Eastwood emphasized that residents are not required to retreat under the law, but investigators will need to determine whether the homeowner’s use of force was justified under the circumstances.
“The person who uses that force has to reasonably believe that the force is necessary to prevent or terminate an unlawful entry or attack on the person’s dwelling,” Eastwood told NBC News. As the investigation continues, authorities have not made any arrests, and it remains unclear whether the shooting will be deemed a justifiable use of force.
Mourning the Loss
As the investigation progresses, Velázquez is left to mourn the loss of his wife, Maria, while caring for their four children, including a baby who is not yet a year old. He expressed his heartache, saying, “Just pray for my family… Raising them isn’t going to be easy.”
This tragic event has left the community shaken and raised important questions about the consequences of such a tragic mistake. As the investigation continues, all those affected by the loss of María Florinda Ríos Pérez are left grieving a life lost in an instant, all because of a tragic misunderstanding.
Closing line
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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