# Maryland hunter kills woman mistaking her for deer

> Delaware hunter fatally shoots woman he thought was deer in rural field
- Title: Maryland hunter kills woman mistaking her for deer | Shortify
- Summary: Delaware hunter fatally shoots woman he thought was deer in rural field 74-year-old Walter Moorhead faces manslaughter charges after shooting 39-year-old…
- Keywords: walter moorhead, santos maria chilel soto, delaware state police, man manslaughter, deer hunting, georgetown delaware, ellendale, news, local, Maryland, hunter, kills
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/maryland-hunter-fatal-shooting-JRDLGKRX6FH7ZK22PJQOM35XB4
- Author: Clara Longo de Freitas
- Published: 2026-09-21T14:22:29.393+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: walter moorhead, santos maria chilel soto, delaware state police, man manslaughter, deer hunting, georgetown delaware, ellendale, news, local
## Hunter faces manslaughter charges
Walter Moorhead, 74, was hunting deer from a ground blind in Ellendale when he fatally shot Santos Maria Chilel Soto, 39, who was walking with a man and two children.

> Walter Moorhead, 74, was hunting deer from a ground blind in Ellendale on Friday evening, said Delaware State Police.
## Shooting occurs in rural field
Police responded to the field near South Old State Road around 7:40 p.m. after the incident.
## Woman dies in hospital
Soto was pronounced dead at a hospital after emergency responders provided medical care.
## Additional charges filed
Moorhead faces possession of a firearm and three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment besides manslaughter.

> Besides manslaughter, Moorhead is also charged with possession of a firearm and three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, according to police.
## Bond set for hunter
Moorhead was released after posting a $43,000 cash bond.

> He was released after posting a $43,000 cash bond.
## Key takeaway

74-year-old Walter Moorhead faces manslaughter charges after shooting 39-year-old Santos Maria Chilel Soto during deer hunt