Shootings of people who mistakenly go the wrong house test limits of stand your ground laws

The fatal shooting of a house cleaner who Indiana officials say went to the wrong home has stirred painful memories of similar incidents across the country.

It’s another example of encounters that have ended in tragedy in a nation where stand-your-ground laws have expanded and public concern about crime remains high.

Below are several notable cases involving shootings triggered by mistaken addresses:

House cleaner killed in Indianapolis suburb

On Nov. 5, a homeowner fired through his front door without issuing a warning after hearing someone attempting to unlock it. The shot killed Maria Florinda Rios Perez De Velasquez, who had mistakenly arrived at the wrong house, according to police and court records.

Curt Andersen of Whitestown, Indiana, has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in a case that may challenge how far stand-your-ground protections extend. His attorney argues Andersen believed he was acting lawfully and in self-defense.

College student fatally shot near campus

In 2023, University of South Carolina student Nicholas Anthony Donofrio, 20, was shot and killed after trying to enter the wrong house on his street. Authorities concluded he had knocked loudly, broken glass on the door, and was attempting to open it. The homeowner was not charged.

Honor student wounded after ringing wrong doorbell

Also in 2023, Kansas City honor student Ralph Yarl mistakenly approached the home of 86-year-old Andrew Lester while trying to pick up his younger siblings. Lester said he feared the unfamiliar person at his door and opened fire, hitting Yarl in the head and arm. Yarl survived. Nearly two years later, Lester pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and died shortly after.

Woman shot after friends turn into wrong driveway

Kaylin Gillis, 20, was riding with friends in upstate New York in 2023 when their vehicle mistakenly entered a long rural driveway. Homeowner Kevin Monahan fired a shotgun from his porch, killing her. A jury later convicted Monahan of second-degree murder, though he claimed he believed intruders were attempting to storm his property.

Woman seeking help killed through screen door

In 2013, Renisha McBride—injured after a car accident—knocked on doors in a Detroit suburb seeking assistance. A resident, Ted Wafer, shot her through his screen door, later saying he feared for his life. He was convicted in her death.

Trayvon Martin shooting ignites national debate

The 2012 shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin brought nationwide attention to stand-your-ground statutes. George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer who claimed self-defense after confronting Martin in a Florida gated community, was acquitted at trial, sparking widespread discussion and controversy over the law’s application.

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