A man from Whitestown has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a cleaning woman who mistakenly approached his residence. The Boone County Prosecutor’s Office announced the charges against 62-year-old Curt Andersen on Monday.
Incident Overview
On November 5, 32-year-old María Florinda Ríos Pérez de Velásquez was shot through a locked front door. She was at the incorrect address with her husband, Mauricio Perez-Velasquez, while en route to a job at a nearby model home.
Details of the Case
According to court documents, Ríos Pérez and her husband had received the correct address from their employer the night before, along with a Google Maps link. However, GPS directions led them to Andersen’s home on Maize Lane instead of the job location.
Around 6:50 a.m., they attempted to access the house using provided keys. Andersen claimed to have awoken from sleep due to unusual noises and saw two individuals outside through a window. He stated that he felt threatened and retrieved a firearm from a safe place in his home.
Sequence of Events
- Sound Intensity: Andersen reported the noise escalating, which heightened his fear.
- Gunfire: He shot through the front door, striking Ríos Pérez.
- Emergency Response: Police received two 911 calls, arriving to find Perez-Velasquez holding Ríos Pérez on the porch.
- Fatal Wound: Medics pronounced Ríos Pérez dead at the scene from a gunshot wound to the head.
Legal Proceedings
Andersen was charged with voluntary manslaughter, categorized as a Level 2 felony, which carries a potential sentence of 10 to 30 years if convicted. He currently remains in Boone County Jail without bail.
Community Reaction
Ríos Pérez was a mother of four, and her death prompted public outcry, including a vigil hosted by family members. The case has sparked discussions regarding Indiana’s “Stand Your Ground” law. Boone County Prosecutor Kent Eastwood clarified that Andersen’s actions do not fit within the legal protections typically associated with self-defense.
Defense Perspective
Andersen’s attorney, Guy Relford, expressed disappointment with the charges. He asserted that the circumstances leading to the shooting were misunderstood and emphasized the relevance of the “castle doctrine” in Indiana law, which allows individuals to protect their homes.
As the investigation progressed, police found no evidence of forced entry at Andersen’s home, leading to further questions about the necessity of the use of force in this situation.
Next Steps
The prosecutor’s office is set to schedule an initial hearing, during which a judge will determine bond conditions. The community continues to grapple with the implications of this tragic event.
