Whitestown, IN – Curt Andersen has been charged with felony voluntary manslaughter following the shooting of 32-year-old Maria Florinda Rios Perez de Velasquez. The incident occurred when Perez mistakenly arrived at Andersen’s home for a cleaning job on Wednesday morning.
Andersen allegedly shot Perez through the front door after she and her husband approached the home. Boone County Prosecutor Kent Eastwood confirmed the charges during a news conference.
Voluntary manslaughter is defined in Indiana law as knowingly or intentionally killing someone while acting under sudden heat. Eastwood stated that his office carefully reviewed the evidence before bringing charges against Andersen.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene shortly after 6:50 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, following a 911 call about a possible residential entry. Upon arrival, they discovered Perez on the front porch with a gunshot wound to the head.
Emergency measures were attempted, but Perez was pronounced dead at the scene. The couple reportedly did not attempt to enter the residence before the shooting occurred.
Police reports indicated a bullet hole was found in the door. Andersen has claimed he fired the shot in self-defense, citing Indiana’s stand your ground law. Prosecutors argue that evidence does not support his justification for the action.
Jody Madeira, a professor specializing in gun rights at Indiana University, characterized the incident as unusual. The timing of Andersen’s first court appearance has not yet been disclosed.
