The Boone County Prosecutor’s Office released a comprehensive public statement Monday addressing the fatal Nov. 5 shooting of 39-year-old Maria Florinda Rios Perez de Velasquez, who was killed on the front porch of a Whitestown home after she and her husband mistakenly arrived at the wrong address for a scheduled cleaning assignment.
Prosecutor Todd Meyer formally announced a Level 2 felony charge of Voluntary Manslaughter against 62-year-old Curt D. Andersen of Whitestown, following what he described as a meticulous review of the investigation conducted by the Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department. Copies of the charging information and the probable cause affidavit were distributed after the press conference.
Prosecutor Condemns Misinformation, Emphasizes Fact-Based Decision
In his statement, Meyer opened by extending condolences to Velasquez’s family and expressing appreciation for the investigative work of Whitestown Police. He noted that the case had quickly become the subject of intense public interest, which brought a wave of speculation and misinformation to social media platforms. Meyer urged the public to rely on official sources, warning that rumor-sharing both harms the grieving family and threatens Andersen’s right to a fair trial.
“Much of the social media commentary has been inaccurate and misleading,” Meyer said, calling some claims “dangerous to the integrity of the judicial process.” He specifically debunked a widely circulated rumor asserting that Andersen is a current or former law enforcement officer—something Meyer said is “absolutely false.” Andersen has no connection to any police agency, past or present.
Voluntary Manslaughter Charge Explained
The decision to file a Voluntary Manslaughter charge, Meyer explained, was based entirely on the legal standards set out in Indiana Code. Under the statute, voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person knowingly kills another human being while acting under “sudden heat,” which can mitigate but does not excuse the intent involved.
Importantly, Meyer addressed comparisons made on social media to Indiana’s Stand Your Ground law, which allows individuals to use reasonable—even deadly—force to defend themselves or prevent an unlawful entry.
“This case should not be interpreted as an attack on Indiana’s Stand Your Ground or self-defense laws,” Meyer emphasized. He clarified that after reviewing all available evidence, the Prosecutor’s Office determined Andersen did not have sufficient information at the time of the shooting to reasonably believe deadly force was necessary.
“It is our contention,” Meyer stated, “that Mr. Andersen could not have formed a reasonable belief that the people at his door were attempting to unlawfully enter his home.”
Details From the Probable Cause Affidavit
The probable cause affidavit provides the clearest picture yet of the events leading up to the shooting.
Whitestown officers were dispatched to Andersen’s residence after reports of a possible burglary in progress.
Upon arrival, officers found Velasquez lying on the porch with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Her husband, Mauricio Perez-Velasquez, was with her and told police they had mistakenly tried to enter the wrong home.
The couple worked for A&A Quality Cleaning, LLC, and had been assigned to clean a model home in a nearby subdivision. Believing Andersen’s house was that location, they attempted to use keys provided by their employer.
Mauricio told investigators that neither he nor his wife forced entry or knocked aggressively; Maria attempted to insert the key for approximately 30 seconds to a minute before the gunshot.
Investigators later confirmed the home’s front door was locked by both the deadbolt and handle, with no signs of forced entry, prying, or impact damage.
According to the affidavit, Andersen told detectives he awoke to what he described as a “commotion” at the door and believed someone was attempting to break in. Without verbal warning and from the top of the stairs inside the home, Andersen allegedly fired one round through the door. He then called 911.
The shot struck Velasquez, who died soon after emergency crews arrived.
Community Impact and Next Steps
The fatal shooting has drawn strong reactions from both the Whitestown community and the broader region, prompting discussions about gun safety, homeowner response, and the responsibilities of both residents and workers in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Meyer acknowledged the emotional weight surrounding the case but reiterated the importance of due process.
Andersen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty, and the Prosecutor’s Office will not release additional evidence or commentary related to trial strategy, witness testimony, or potential defenses. Ethical rules restrict prosecutors from discussing certain details outside of court.
However, procedural updates—such as court dates and filings—will be provided as they become available. Andersen’s next court appearance is currently scheduled for Friday.
Public Appeal for Patience and Accuracy
Meyer’s closing remarks underscored the need for patience as the legal process unfolds.
“We understand the public’s interest in this case,” he said. “But the courtroom, not social media, is where the facts will be adjudicated.”
The Prosecutor’s Office is urging residents to avoid circulating unverified claims and to allow the justice system to operate without interference.