Two minutes on a porch, a misunderstanding and a gunshot killed a house cleaner
a day ago
- #gun-violence
- #immigration
- #stand-your-ground
- House cleaners María Florinda Ríos Pérez de Velásquez and Mauricio Velásquez were sent to clean a model home but mistakenly went to Curt Andersen's house.
- Andersen, believing it was a break-in, shot through his front door, killing Ríos Pérez de Velásquez.
- Andersen was charged with voluntary manslaughter, with prosecutors arguing his actions were not justified under Indiana's 'stand your ground' law.
- Andersen's defense claims his actions were protected by Indiana's self-defense law, which allows deadly force to prevent unlawful entry.
- The incident highlights debates over 'stand your ground' laws and their link to increased firearm homicides.
- Ríos Pérez de Velásquez and Velásquez were immigrants from Guatemala, working as cleaners to support their four children.
- Investigators found no signs of forced entry, contradicting Andersen's claim of an aggressive break-in attempt.
- Andersen, a retired Navy lieutenant commander, had called police twice before for 'suspicious activity' but no crimes were found.
- Ríos Pérez de Velásquez's family and community rallied for justice, emphasizing their rights as immigrants and human beings.
- Andersen expressed remorse during interrogation, stating he did not mean to harm anyone.