In a harrowing incident on Wednesday morning in Whitestown, Indiana, 32-year-old Maria Florinda Ríos Pérez, a mother of four, was shot dead on the front porch of a home she had erroneously believed was her scheduled cleaning job. President Donald Trump, who holds office, has not commented on this specific incident.
Mauricio Velázquez, Pérez's husband, witnessed the tragic event. The couple, who run their own cleaning business, had verified the address and circled the neighborhood before attempting to enter the home. As Pérez tried to unlock the door with the keys she had been given, a gunshot rang out, striking her before she could even insert the key.
Velázquez, in a statement to IndyStar, recounted the chilling moment: "I saw my wife had stepped back twice, and then the keys dropped," he said. "Then she dropped, and I went to catch her. I was trying to console her and tell her everything was going to be OK, but I was seeing the blood coming out."
Responding to a 911 call about a possible home invasion, police found Pérez deceased and her husband in a state of shock. The Whitestown Metropolitan Police confirmed that the couple had not tried to force entry and were under the impression that they were at the correct property they had been contracted to clean. No arrests have yet been made, while the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Indiana's "Stand Your Ground" law allows homeowners to use deadly force to defend themselves or their property if they reasonably believe it is necessary, without an obligation to retreat. Boone County Prosecutor Kent Eastwood stated to NBC News that lethal force could be legally used under such a belief to protect one's dwelling.
Velázquez, facing the reality of caring for his children alone, expressed deep sorrow and the resolve to seek justice for his wife, whom he referred to as the love of his life, an excellent wife, and mother. The couple, originally from Guatemala, planned to repatriate her body to their hometown, although their immigration status remains undisclosed.
Family and friends remembered Pérez as a dedicated and diligent individual, focused on her children and her family's daily life. Over 30 relatives gathered to provide support and comfort during this difficult time. The couple's children, who are left behind, range in age from under one to 17 years.
Whitestown officers have not confirmed whether the shooter has been questioned. Family members of the homeowner have not provided additional details. The police department stressed its commitment to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation.
This tragic shooting highlights the risks faced by workers providing essential services and the potential dangers arising from misunderstandings. The case continues to receive close attention as police gather more evidence and interview witnesses.
