A quiet evening at an Evansville supermarket turned to tragedy when a 58-year-old cleaner was fatally shot in what authorities are describing as a targeted attack.
Maria Florinda Rios Perez, an employee at the Evansville Fresh Market, was working her shift when the violence erupted on Tuesday night. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious questions about workplace safety.
The Fateful Evening
According to Evansville Police Department reports, officers responded to emergency calls at approximately 9:30 PM local time. Upon arrival, they discovered Perez with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical attention, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
"This appears to be a targeted incident rather than a random act of violence," stated Evansville Police Sergeant Anna Gray during a press conference. "Our investigation suggests the victim and suspect were known to each other."
Community in Mourning
The Fresh Market location where the tragedy occurred remained closed throughout Wednesday as police continued their investigation. Yellow crime scene tape surrounded the building while forensic teams worked inside.
Fellow employees and local residents have expressed their shock and grief. "She was always smiling, always working hard to support her family," said one coworker who wished to remain anonymous. "Nobody deserves what happened to her."
Ongoing Investigation
Police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Perez's death. While specific details about the suspect remain limited, authorities have confirmed they are pursuing several strong leads.
The Vanderburgh County Coroner's Office has scheduled an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, though preliminary reports indicate gunshot wounds as the primary factor.
This incident marks another tragic case of workplace violence that has left a community grappling with loss and questions about how such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
