Indiana Homeowner Charged After Fatal Shooting of House Cleaner Who Mistook Door
An Indiana homeowner, identified as John Andersen, has been charged with murder after a house cleaner was fatally shot when she arrived at the wrong address, authorities said. The incident occurred on a weekday evening in a suburban neighborhood outside Indianapolis, and the suspect was taken into custody shortly after the shooting.
According to a probable‑cause statement filed by the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office, Andersen fired through his front door without warning about a minute after hearing someone attempting to unlock it. The victim, a 36‑year‑old cleaning professional, had been dispatched to a nearby residence but mistakenly knocked on Andersen’s door. Surveillance footage released by investigators shows the suspect stepping outside his home and firing a handgun through the glass door, striking the victim multiple times.
Law enforcement officials noted that the suspect told officers he feared an intruder, though they found no evidence of a break‑in. The cleaning service company confirmed that the worker was on a scheduled job that day and had been directed to the correct address by a client, but an address mix‑up led her to the wrong house. The case highlights safety concerns for domestic workers who often rely on brief instructions and may be unfamiliar with the neighborhoods where they work.
County detectives and the local sheriff’s department described the shooting as “unnecessary and tragic,” emphasizing that the use of deadly force was not justified under Indiana self‑defense statutes. Legal experts familiar with the case said the charge of murder indicates prosecutors believe the shooter acted with malice aforethought, rather than as a lawful act of self‑defense. Community leaders called for increased awareness and better communication between service providers and clients to prevent similar accidents.
If convicted, Andersen faces a potential life sentence, though the exact penalty will depend on whether the charge is reduced to voluntary manslaughter during plea negotiations. The incident is prompting discussions among local legislators about mandatory safety protocols for home‑service workers and possible revisions to state gun‑carrying laws.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward. The victim’s family has been offered counseling services, and the cleaning company has pledged to review its scheduling procedures to avoid future mishaps.
