WHITESTOWN, Ind. — On Monday, a passionate crowd gathered, chanting “Juntos unidos justica por Maria,” which translates to “united together, justice for Maria” in Spanish.

The steps of the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office became a focal point for supporters rallying for 32-year-old Maria Florinda Rios Perez, a mother whose life was cut short.

Among those present at the peaceful demonstration on November 10 was Belinda Cozzy-Powers, a Boone County resident.

“I’m here to stand by this family in the face of this senseless act,” said Cozzy-Powers. “As someone who has experienced an unsolved homicide in this county, I felt compelled to offer my support.”

Whitestown police say Perez was shot and killed outside a home last Wednesday, Nov. 5. Police say she was a part of a cleaning crew, but she had the wrong address. Someone inside the home shot her through the front door, according to police.

Nichole Armenta organized a GoFundMe for the family, as well as other community efforts to honor Perez.

“It’s just not OK, but these are just to honor Maria and to bring awareness to the situation, to make sure that her name doesn’t get lost anywhere,” Armenta said.

Andre Adams, a friend of Perez’s family, works in the construction industry. Adams said he warns his employees what happened to Perez could happen to anyone.

“Our conversations with our employees are safety first. If you think you’re at the wrong address, knock once, knock twice, call us. Get off the property. Get on the sidewalk and call us,” Adams said.

Justice for Maria in Spanish and English covered posters outside the prosecutor’s office for hours. As cars drove by, they honked their horns in support of everyone rallying outside.

Perez’s family and attorney met with the Boone County prosecutor earlier on Monday as well. 

People say they want answers from the prosecutor’s office as to why no charges for Perez’s killer have been filed. Alexander Limontes, the family’s lawyer, says no one deserves for this to happen.

“This case is about public safety. Plain and simple,” Limontes said.

Limontes said the prosecutor is going through what they describe as a mountain of evidence.

Maurico Velasquez, Perez’s husband, is asking for one thing.

“Sabemos que somos inmigrantes pero tenemos derechos porque no somos animales somos personas como ellos. tenemos sangre y yo pido justicia,” Velasquez said. (“We know we are immigrants, but we have rights because we are not animals. We are people like them. We have blood. I ask for justice.”)

A family and community in mourning are not giving up in the fight for justice. 

Limontes says they are also doing their own investigation into what happened.

Find more information on how to help the Perez’s family here.