Hunter Faces Manslaughter Charges After Mistaking Woman for Deer in Fatal Delaware Shooting

A Maryland resident is facing serious charges after allegedly fatally shooting a woman in Delaware, reportedly mistaking her for a deer while she walked through an open field with her children. Delaware State Police announced the arrest of 74-year-old Walter Moorhead following the tragic incident.

Moorhead was taken into custody on charges including manslaughter in connection with the death of 39-year-old Santos Maria Chilel Soto. The incident occurred on Friday evening in Ellendale, Delaware.

According to law enforcement, Soto was traversing an open field accompanied by a man and two children around 7:40 p.m. Simultaneously, Moorhead was hunting deer from a ground blind, a camouflaged structure designed to conceal hunters from wildlife.

Police reports indicate that Moorhead believed he had identified a deer and discharged his rifle, striking Soto.

State troopers arrived at the scene and immediately provided emergency medical assistance. Soto was then transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.

Charges Filed and Investigation Underway

Moorhead faces multiple felony counts, including manslaughter for recklessly causing the death of another individual, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment. Following his arrest, he was released from custody after posting a $43,000 cash bond.

Authorities have stated that the incident remains under active investigation.

Victim Identified, Community Support Emerges

Santos Maria Chilel Soto has been identified as a devoted mother of five children and a beloved aunt, according to information shared on a community fundraising page established in her memory.

“Maria’s family is now facing the overwhelming pain of this sudden loss while also trying to make sure she is laid to rest with dignity,” the fundraiser states. “This heartbreaking situation has placed a heavy financial burden on the family at a time when they are grieving deeply.”

The online fundraiser was created to assist the family with covering funeral expenses and the costs associated with repatriating her body to Guatemala. As of Monday evening, approximately $12,000 had been raised to support her family during this difficult time.