Hunter Slapped With Manslaughter After Shooting Woman in Woods Claiming He Thought She Was a Deer

74-year-old Walter Moorhead has been charged with felony manslaughter after fatally shooting a 39-year-old woman, allegedly believing that she was a deer. Moorhead, from Salisbury. According to authorities, the incident happened in an open field near Ellendale, Delaware, on Friday evening, 18 September.

The victim has been identified as 39-year-old Santos Maria Chilel Soto, who was walking through the field with a man and two children, according to Delaware State Police. Moorhead, who's from Salisbury, Maryland, was taken into custody at the scene while Soto was given medical treatment at the scene by responding troopers.

Soto was pronounced dead at the hospital. Police identified her as a resident of Georgetown, Delaware.

Mistaken for a Deer

Delaware State Police troopers were alerted about a shooting in near South Old State Road, North of East Robbins Road, at around 7:40 PM on Friday, according to authorities.

Police said that the preliminary investigation determined that Moorhead had fired the shot that fatally struck Soto. A spokesperson stated, 'The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was walking through the field with a man and two children.'

Moorhead was allegedly hunting deer from a ground blind, which is a structure hunters use to camouflage themselves while waiting for game. Delaware State Police said, '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.'

Authorities subsequently detained the 74-year-old as investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Manslaughter and Reckless Endangerment

Moorhead is facing several charges following Soto's death. He's facing felony manslaughter in connection with Soto's death, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, as well as three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment.

However, authorities have yet to publicise further details regarding the specific allegations behind each count.

Moorhead was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court and subsequently released after posting a $43,000 (£32,100+) cash bond. He has yet to publicly comment on the allegations. A news outlet reportedly sought a comment, but he didn't immediately return a call.

Furthermore, it was unclear whether he had retained an attorney.

Investigation Continues as Victim's Loved Ones Grieve

The case has since been handed to the homicide unit of Delaware State Police, with investigations remaining ongoing. Meanwhile, Moorhead remains out of jail after posting his cash bond, as Soto's family is forced to face 'the overwhelming pain of this sudden loss,' according to the verified GoFundMe page.

Soto's fundraising page was set up by Belman Robles to help the victim's family with funeral costs, as they're grieving deeply. The fundraiser described Soto as 'a beloved aunt whose life was tragically taken by a firearm.'

Furthermore, the money raised through the page will be used to help transport her body back to Guatemala with her loved ones and ensure that she's 'laid to rest with dignity.'

The 'Help Maria Chilel Soto's Family' fund has a set goal of $6,500 (£4,800+). At the time of writing, it has received over 70 donations, accumulating over $4,600 (£3,400+).