CABRICAN, Guatemala — The body of a Guatemalan woman, María Florinda Ríos Pérez, who was tragically killed earlier this month in Indiana, was returned to her homeland on Sunday. The 32-year-old mother of four lost her life on November 5 while working as a house cleaner in the United States.
Ríos Pérez’s body arrived at the international airport in Guatemala City, where her mother, Vilma Pérez, along with other family members, were present to receive her. They planned to transport her remains to Cabrican, a town located approximately 125 miles (200 kilometers) west of the capital.
In the wake of this incident, prosecutors charged Curt Andersen, a Whitestown resident, with voluntary manslaughter. Andersen's trial is scheduled to commence on March 30, according to court records. Recently, a judge set his bail at $25,000 and mandated that he surrender his passport.
According to court documents, Ríos and her husband were part of a cleaning crew that mistakenly arrived at Andersen’s home. While attempting to unlock the door with a key provided by their employer, Andersen fired a shot through the door without warning, striking Ríos in the head. Fortunately, her husband was unharmed.
Andersen later told investigators that he thought someone was attempting to break into his home as he heard sounds of someone trying to unlock the door.
During the weekend in Cabrican, women from the community prepared meals in anticipation of friends and relatives attending the wake and burial. An altar decorated with flowers and photographs of Ríos was set up at her parents' home. Cabrican is nestled in a valley predominantly inhabited by the Mam, an Indigenous Mayan community.
Ríos’ sister, 19-year-old Yeimy Paola Ríos Pérez, shared that María had emigrated from Guatemala two years ago, bringing along two of her daughters with the help of a smuggler. They were informed that adults traveling with children were more likely to be allowed entry into the U.S. This decision led them to Indiana, where five of her siblings and her father resided.
In a reflection of their last conversation before the tragedy, Yeimy recounted that María was exhilarated, as her son’s first birthday was just a week away. She was in the midst of planning a celebration for her son, demonstrating her love and excitement for family events.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the complexities and dangers faced by migrants in pursuit of better opportunities, as well as the devastating consequences of misunderstandings and violence. The community's efforts to honor and remember María Florinda Ríos Pérez through traditional customs reflect the resilience and solidarity of those left behind.
