Cleaning Woman Fatally Shot After Going to Wrong Home in Indiana

Authorities in Whitestown, Indiana, are investigating a fatal shooting that police believe was the result of a tragic mistake after a cleaning woman was killed while arriving at the wrong address for work.

Police Respond to Early Morning Shooting

The Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department (WMPD) said officers were called early Wednesday morning to a residential neighborhood after reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found a woman dead on the front porch of a home.

Investigators said a bullet hole was visible in the front door, suggesting that a shot had been fired from inside the house. According to a statement from WMPD, initial reports described the incident as a possible home invasion. However, police later determined that the evidence did not support that claim.

“The facts gathered do not support that a residential entry occurred,” the department said. “It appears the woman was part of a cleaning crew who had arrived at the wrong address.”

A Case of Mistaken Identity

The woman, Maria Florinda Ríos Pérez, age 32, was reportedly standing on the porch with a male coworker when the shooting occurred. Police said several people were inside the home at the time, and a firearm was recovered from the scene.

Investigators said Pérez was already deceased when officers arrived. The man accompanying her was not injured and spoke with police at the scene.

Whitestown Police Chief Scott Rolston said in a brief update that investigators are working to piece together how the tragic misunderstanding unfolded. “At this point, there is no evidence that the victim ever entered the residence,” Rolston said. “This appears to be a heartbreaking incident where a person was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Investigation Still Ongoing

Police have not yet identified a suspect or confirmed whether any arrests have been made. The WMPD emphasized that the case remains in its early stages, with detectives still interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence.

Authorities also urged members of the public not to speculate about the shooting on social media as the investigation continues. “We ask the community to trust in our investigative process and refrain from sharing unverified information,” the department said.

According to local outlet WXIN-TV, neighbors described waking up to police sirens and lights as officers cordoned off the street. Some said they were shocked to learn that the woman may have been there for work.

Community Shock and Unanswered Questions

Whitestown, located about 20 miles northwest of Indianapolis, is a rapidly growing suburb known for its quiet residential neighborhoods. News of the shooting spread quickly through the small community, with residents expressing sadness and disbelief at how such an accident could happen.

Police have not said whether the homeowner fired the fatal shot or what led them to believe the woman was attempting to enter the property. The Boone County Prosecutor’s Office is assisting in the investigation and will determine whether any criminal charges will be filed once all evidence has been reviewed.

For now, authorities say their focus is on confirming the sequence of events and ensuring a full, transparent investigation.

“This is a devastating situation for everyone involved,” Chief Rolston said. “We are working diligently to uncover the facts and provide answers to the family of the victim and our community.”