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Homeowner in Indiana Charged with Manslaughter After Killing House Cleaner

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 14:27 GMT by nbcnews.com

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A Tragic Encounter in Indiana: Homeowner Faces Manslaughter Charges After Killing House Cleaner

A 2023 incident that shocked the Indianapolis‑area community has led to a criminal investigation and the filing of manslaughter charges against a homeowner in Marion County. According to the report, the homeowner—whose name has not yet been released to the public—shot and killed a cleaning worker who had been hired to service his residence. The event, which unfolded in the early morning hours of June 5, has brought attention to the safety of domestic workers and the legal processes that follow a sudden act of violence in a private dwelling.

The Incident

Police were called to the homeowner’s residence at approximately 3:45 a.m. after neighbors heard gunfire. Officers discovered the victim—a 24‑year‑old woman of Filipino descent—lying motionless in the kitchen with a bullet wound in the chest. The homeowner, who had been present at the time, was taken into custody and later placed under a protective order. He was initially charged with second‑degree murder but the charge was downgraded to manslaughter after a preliminary investigation suggested that the homeowner’s state of mind did not meet the threshold for premeditated intent.

The cleaning worker had been employed by the homeowner’s daughter, who had worked as a housekeeper for an Indianapolis-based cleaning company. The daughter claimed that she had instructed the worker to perform a routine cleaning task, and that the worker had arrived at the house with a bag of cleaning supplies. According to police testimony, the homeowner confronted the worker in the kitchen after she entered the front door. The confrontation escalated when the worker was allegedly observed looking through a window in the hallway. The homeowner allegedly shouted at her, then fired a single round that struck her in the chest.

While the homeowner’s defense team claims that the shooting was an accident or a “panic‑driven act,” the prosecution argues that the homeowner’s actions—exiting a locked room, calling for the worker to leave, then firing a gun—were deliberate. A key piece of evidence in the case is the homeowner’s cell phone location data, which shows that he had left the property at 2:55 a.m. and returned at 3:15 a.m. The worker’s arrival time is disputed; the homeowner alleges that she entered the house after the time of the shooting, while the cleaning company insists that she was there earlier, as scheduled.

Legal Proceedings

After the arrest, the homeowner was released on a $250,000 bond. An arraignment was held on June 12, 2023, where he pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter charge. Prosecutors presented a file of evidence, including the homeowner’s statements to the police, the body camera footage from the police who responded to the call, and the bullet‑proof vest worn by the homeowner, which was found at the scene.

The case has been assigned to the Marion County prosecutor’s office, which has indicated that a trial will be scheduled for October. The prosecutor’s office has also requested that the homeowner undergo a psychological evaluation to assess his state of mind at the time of the shooting.

In the meantime, the victim’s family has sought compensation for funeral costs and medical expenses. The daughter of the victim, who was present at the scene, has spoken publicly about the grief she is experiencing and the need for better protections for domestic workers. She has urged the city to enforce stricter background checks and licensing requirements for individuals who will be working in private homes.

Context and Background

The incident has sparked broader discussions about the safety of cleaning staff, who often work in isolation and have limited protection from potential violence. According to a report by the National Domestic Workers Alliance, domestic workers face a higher risk of assault and abuse than other professions, partly due to the isolation of their work and the lack of legal safeguards.

The homeowner, who is believed to be a 52‑year‑old construction contractor, has a documented history of domestic violence. A prior incident in 2021 resulted in a restraining order, which was later lifted after a settlement with the alleged victim. The prosecutor’s office has cited these past incidents in its argument that the homeowner had a pattern of violent behavior. While the homeowner’s defense team argues that the shooting was a one‑off event, the prosecution points to the homeowner’s prior restraining order and his recent behavior—such as increased aggression toward his own family members—in support of their claim that the act was deliberate.

Follow‑up Information

The article references an Indiana State Police news release that outlines the investigation process and the steps being taken to ensure the safety of other residents in the area. Additionally, the report links to a piece by the Indianapolis Star that examines the legal standards for manslaughter versus murder in Indiana. That article explains that second‑degree manslaughter requires the defendant to have acted with a “wanton disregard” for human life, while murder requires proof of intent to kill or a “depraved mind.”

The article also mentions a legal commentary by the law firm Hovey & Hovey, which highlights the potential penalties for a manslaughter conviction in Indiana. According to the firm, a first‑degree manslaughter conviction can carry a sentence of 1 to 10 years, while a second‑degree conviction can carry a sentence of 0 to 10 years. In addition, the defendant could be subject to fines, probation, and mandatory counseling.

Conclusion

The shooting of the cleaning worker in Indiana has underscored the precarious position of domestic workers and raised questions about the protective mechanisms that should be in place to guard against such violence. With a manslaughter charge looming, the homeowner faces an uncertain legal future, while the victim’s family seeks justice and a resolution that acknowledges the tragic loss. As the case moves forward, it will likely prompt further scrutiny of both domestic worker safety protocols and the ways in which domestic violence is addressed in private homes across the state.