A 74-year-old hunter in Delaware has been arrested and charged with manslaughter after fatally shooting a woman he reportedly mistook for a deer.
The incident happened on Friday, September 18, 2026, in an open field near South Old State Road, north of East Robbins Road, in Ellendale, Sussex County.
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Delaware State Police said troopers were called to the area at about 7:40 p.m. following reports that a woman had been shot.
The victim was identified as 39-year-old Santos Maria Chilel Soto of Georgetown, Delaware. Responding troopers provided emergency medical care before she was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
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Police identified the hunter as Walter Moorhead of Salisbury, Maryland. According to the preliminary investigation, Soto was walking through the field with a man and two children while Moorhead was hunting deer from a ground blind.
Police said Moorhead believed he had seen a deer and fired his rifle, striking Soto.
Moorhead was taken into custody at the scene before being charged with felony manslaughter, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment.
He was arraigned and later released after posting a $43,000 cash bond. The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is continuing to investigate the incident.
Soto was reportedly a mother of five and originally from Guatemala. Following her death, her family launched a fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses and the cost of transporting her body to Guatemala for burial.
The family said the unexpected death had left them facing significant financial pressure while grieving her loss.
The fundraiser stated:
“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.
“They need help covering funeral services and the cost of sending Maria’s body to Guatemala so she can be brought home.
“This heartbreaking situation has placed a heavy financial burden on the family at a time when they are grieving deeply.
“The funds raised will help cover expenses that exceed £15,000 for funeral and transportation costs.
“If possible, support may also help the five children Maria left behind as they face life without their mother.
“Please support Family Chilel during this heartbreaking time.
“Any donation, no matter the amount, will help them honor Maria’s memory, lay her to rest, and provide some relief to the children she loved so much.