A devastating shooting in Indianapolis is shining a harsh light on the realities of home defense — and the consequences of relying solely on lethal force when fear takes over. This tragedy also highlights why Byrna less-lethal tools, offered at Ungunn Santa Clarita, give homeowners a safer alternative that can prevent unnecessary loss of life.
Maria Perez de Velasquez, a mother of four and professional housekeeper, was fatally shot after accidentally arriving at the wrong home for a cleaning appointment. Her story is a painful reminder that misunderstandings happen — and when a firearm is the only option, those misunderstandings can turn deadly.
A Deadly Mistake Born from Fear
Just before 7:00 a.m., Maria and her husband walked up to a house they thought belonged to their new client. As they stood on the porch, the homeowner fired a shot through the closed front door, believing they were intruders.
Maria died shortly after in her husband’s arms.
Police later confirmed it was simply the wrong address.
Sadly, this isn’t an isolated case. Across the United States, similar tragedies occur when homeowners mistakenly shoot:
- delivery drivers
- lost visitors
- stranded motorists
- early-arriving contractors
- people seeking help
Many face criminal charges, civil liability, or a lifetime of emotional damage.
Lethal Force Leaves No Room for Error
Even with strong Stand Your Ground laws, lethal force is legally justified only when an immediate, life-threatening danger is present. But in real moments:
- fear
- low visibility
- adrenaline
- confusion
…can cause homeowners to misjudge the situation — with irreversible consequences.
This is why less-lethal options are not just helpful…
they’re critical.
How Byrna Less-Lethal Tools Prevent Tragedy
A Byrna launcher — such as the Byrna SD, Byrna CL, or Byrna TCR — gives homeowners the ability to defend themselves without using deadly force.
Byrna provides:
✔️ Non-lethal stopping power
✔️ Range up to 60 feet
✔️ Chemical irritant or kinetic impact rounds
✔️ Permit-free ownership in all 50 states
A Byrna launcher can disable movement, break momentum, and create time to assess the situation — all without taking a life.
In the Indianapolis case, a Byrna could have:
- stopped perceived danger
- allowed time for communication
- prevented fatal injury
- changed the outcome entirely
This is the exact scenario where a less-lethal tool makes all the difference.
Responsible Home Defense Means Preserving Life
Home defense should protect:
- your family
- your home
- and innocent people who may be at the wrong place at the wrong time
Byrna tools allow measured, proportional force when uncertainty is high.
Being responsible means:
- understanding your state laws
- preparing for real-world situations
- choosing tools that reduce the chance of fatal mistakes
One wrong assumption can alter lives permanently.
A Byrna launcher gives homeowners a safer path.
Visit Ungunn Santa Clarita for a Free Byrna Demo
Ungunn is a Premier Byrna Dealer, offering expert guidance, hands-on demos, and every launcher and accessory needed for responsible home defense.
At Ungunn Santa Clarita, you can:
- ✔️ Test the Byrna SD, CL, and TCR in person
- ✔️ Learn which Byrna launcher fits your home-defense needs
- ✔️ Understand real-life scenarios and responsible force
- ✔️ Get non-lethal options that protect without taking a life
💡 Free Demo — No Appointment Needed
Walk in any time during business hours and try a Byrna launcher firsthand.
📍 Ungunn – Byrna Less Lethal Santa Clarita
28048 Bouquet Canyon Rd #5
Santa Clarita, CA 91350
📞 888-310-0833
Choose protection that preserves life.
Choose Byrna.
Choose responsibility.

