Deer Hunter Arrested and Charged with Manslaughter After Fatal Mistake
A man from Maryland, Walter Moorhead, was arrested after a hunting incident in Delaware that resulted in the death of a woman, Santos Maria Chilel Soto. Moorhead fired his rifle, mistaking her for a deer while she was walking with others in a field. The police confirmed he was responsible for her fatal injuries and charged him with manslaughter, firearm possession during a felony, and reckless endangering. He posted bail and was released. Soto, originally from Guatemala, was remembered by her church and family, who launched a fundraising campaign to cover funeral expenses. The investigation continues, with authorities urging anyone with relevant data to come forward.
Delaware state troopers arrested a Maryland man for manslaughter following a hunting incident on Friday that resulted in a woman being killed.
Walter Moorhead, 74, was taken into custody by law enforcement after troopers responded to a report of a shooting, according to the state police.
The responding troopers attempted life-saving medical care before the woman was taken to a nearby hospital.
She ultimately died from her injuries.
Delaware State Police said Walter Moorhead told them he was hunting Friday evening from a ground blind when he thought he saw a deer walking through an open field and shot his rifle.https://t.co/du7RTev4Np
— fox8news (@fox8news) September 21, 2026
The victim’s name was initially withheld until her family could be contacted, but she was later identified as Santos Maria Chilel Soto, 39, of Georgetown, Delaware, ABC News reported.
Police who were on the scene determined that Moorhead fired the shot that hit Soto and arrested him.
They then handed the case off to state homicide investigators.
“The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was walking through the field with a man and two children while Moorhead was hunting deer from a ground blind. Moorhead believed he saw a deer and fired his rifle, striking the victim,” Delaware authorities said in a statement.
He was later charged with three felonies: manslaughter recklessly causing the death of another person, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and first-degree reckless endangering.
After being arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court, Moorhead posted a $43,000 cash bond and was released.
The shooting is still being investigated, and it remains unclear whether Moorhead has retained legal counsel or if prosecutors will offer him a plea deal.
CBS News noted that an evangelical church in Georgetown, Delaware, where Soto was living, d an obituary to honor her memory.
“It is with deep sorrow that our church announces the passing of our beloved sister in Christ, Maria Chilel Soto,” the church wrote in the obituary, which was translated from Spanish. “We join in prayer and solidarity with her family and loved ones during this time of deep grief.”
Additionally, the church held services for Soto and her family. The church added that it will be releasing details of her funeral arrangements in the near future.
Soto’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the funeral and to cover costs related to transporting her body to Guatemala, where she is originally from.
The campaign had reached $12,477 of its $13,000 goal as of Monday evening.
The GoFundMe page description called Soto “a beloved aunt whose life was tragically taken,” and stated that she leaves behind five children.
“This heartbreaking situation has placed a heavy financial burden on the family at a time when they are grieving deeply,” it continued. “The funds raised will help cover expenses that exceed $15,000 for funeral and transportation costs.”
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit has asked anyone with information about the case to come forward and what they know with authorities.
“Detectives ask anyone with information relevant to the investigation to contact Detective M. Csapo by calling (302) 741-2729.
“Information may also be provided by sending a private message to the Delaware State Police (Opens in a new window.) or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers (Opens in a new window.) at 1-800-847-3333.”
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