Indiana Homeowner Charged with Voluntary Manslaughter: Stand-Your-Ground Laws Under Scrutiny

Mon Nov 17 2025 23:44:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An Indiana man faces serious charges after a tragic incident involving a house cleaner who entered the wrong property. This case raises critical questions about the implications of stand-your-ground laws.

Curt Anderson, charged with voluntary manslaughter after the death of cleaning worker Maria Florinda Rios Perez De Velasquez, could potentially face decades in prison. The incident occurred when a cleaning crew mistakenly approached Anderson's home. As discussions unfold about the legality of his actions under Indiana's stand-your-ground law, parallels are drawn to other similar cases across the United States, highlighting ongoing debates over homeowners' rights and public safety.

The tragic shooting of a cleaning lady in Indiana has ignited debates on the limits of stand-your-ground laws. Homeowner Curt Anderson has been charged with voluntary manslaughter following the death of 32-year-old Maria Florinda Rios Perez De Velasquez from Guatemala, who was shot after mistakenly approaching his front porch.

According to reports, Rios De Velasquez was with her husband when someone fired shots through the door, leading to her fatal injuries. Anderson could face 10 to 30 years in prison if convicted.

Indiana's stand-your-ground law allows homeowners to use lethal force if they believe someone is attempting to unlawfully enter their property. However, police indicated there is no evidence the victim entered Anderson's home, raising questions about the appropriateness of his response.

This case draws attention to similar incidents, including the shooting of Ralph Yarl in Missouri, sparking discussions about the implications of such laws across different states. As Indiana University law professor Jody Madeira noted, the incident challenges the notion of reasonable fear that justifies the use of deadly force.