Additional Coverage:
- David Muir fans tearful over ‘unbelievably sad’ update as he steps away from ABC desk (irishstar.com)
Prosecutors Weigh Charges After House Cleaner Shot, Killed at Wrong Address
WHITESTOWN, IN – A devastating incident in Whitestown, Indiana, has left a family shattered and prosecutors grappling with a complex legal decision. Maria Florinda Rios Perez, a mother of four, was tragically shot and killed early Wednesday morning after mistakenly arriving at the wrong house for a cleaning job.
ABC World News Tonight, with Whit Johnson anchoring in place of David Muir, reported on the breaking story, highlighting the ongoing investigation and the community’s demand for justice.
According to ABC News reporter Aaron Katersky, Perez arrived at an incorrect address just before 7 a.m. Authorities confirm the homeowner fired through the front door, striking Perez. She reportedly died in her husband’s arms.
Perez’s husband recounted the horrific moments, stating he initially thought the sound was not a gunshot until his wife stumbled back, appearing to have been hit in the head, and then collapsed. He described seeing blood everywhere.
Police have not yet publicly identified the shooter. The case is complicated by Indiana’s “stand your ground” law, which permits the use of deadly force if there is a reasonable belief it would prevent a home invasion. However, neighbors and the wider public are questioning whether this law applies to Perez’s situation.
Katersky spoke with the prosecutor, who acknowledged the difficult nature of the decision. The prosecutor is currently weighing whether the homeowner’s use of deadly force was reasonable, given the possibility that the cleaner was mistaken for an intruder.
The story has sparked significant outrage on social media, with many comparing it to other recent high-profile shootings and demanding immediate charges against the homeowner. Comments on ABC World News Tonight’s Instagram post reflected a strong belief that the incident was not a justifiable “stand your ground” case, with users emphasizing the clear distinction between knocking on a door and attempting to break in. Concerns were also raised about the increasing frequency of individuals being shot for seemingly minor or accidental transgressions.