LEBANON, Ind. — The Boone County Prosecutor’s Office is deliberating whether to file charges against an Indiana homeowner involved in the shooting death of a Guatemalan house cleaner, who mistakenly approached the wrong residence. Authorities reported that the decision may take several days as they continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
On Friday, investigators submitted their findings regarding the fatal shooting of Maria Florinda Rios Perez De Velasquez to Prosecutor Kent Eastwood. Eastwood has indicated that a thorough assessment is needed before any announcements can be made, emphasizing the importance of a careful review under Indiana law.
In a statement, Eastwood expressed his condolences to the victim’s family, acknowledging the need for both justice and patience from the community during the ongoing investigation. “Our hearts remain with Mrs. Rios Perez De Velasquez’s loved ones. Justice requires patience,” he stated.
Supporters of Rios Perez De Velasquez held a gathering outside Eastwood’s office, demanding justice. Her husband, Mauricio Velasquez, articulated the distress felt by their family, noting, “Although we’re immigrants, we still have rights. We’re not animals. We’re people just like everyone else. All I’m asking for is justice.”
According to officials, Rios Perez De Velasquez and her husband were part of a cleaning crew that arrived at a residence in Whitestown early one Wednesday morning. However, they mistakenly approached the wrong home, leading to a tragic confrontation. Police discovered Rios Perez De Velasquez fatally injured on the front porch shortly before 7 a.m.
Detectives revealed that the homeowner fired the shot from inside his residence, hitting Rios Perez De Velasquez while she was outside. Mauricio Velasquez shared that he stood on the porch beside his wife when he was startled by the gunfire, only realizing she had been struck when she collapsed in his arms.
Law enforcement has yet to identify the homeowner involved in the incident, and it remains unclear whether the Velasquezes had actually entered the property. The legal complexities surrounding the case are influenced by Indiana’s stand-your-ground law, which permits the use of deadly force to protect one’s home against perceived threats.
In previous instances across the country, there have been cases where individuals faced charges for discharging firearms when outside their residences. Legal experts have noted that the particulars of this case raise significant questions. Jody Madeira, a law professor at Indiana University specializing in gun policy, labeled the situation as “horrible” and emphasized its unusual nature.
For the shooter to claim immunity under the stand-your-ground statute, it must be demonstrated that they genuinely believed they faced imminent danger—an assertion that could be scrutinized given the circumstances. Madeira pointed out that individuals have a lawful right to access private properties for legitimate purposes and that the incident raises important precedents regarding the use of force against perceived intruders.
In light of these legal considerations, the community awaits Eastwood’s decision, as it could set a significant precedent in how cases involving the use of deadly force in similar situations are handled in the future.