Delaware State Police say a 74-year-old Maryland hunter has been arrested after he allegedly shot and killed a woman who was walking through an open field with children on Friday evening in Ellendale, Delaware.
Suspect charged after fatal misidentification
Authorities identified the suspect as Walter Moorhead, 74. State police said Moorhead was hunting deer from a ground blind—a camouflaged structure used by hunters to conceal themselves—when he fired at what he believed to be a deer and instead struck Santos Maria Chilel Soto, 39.
Police say the shooting occurred at about 7:40 p.m. while Soto was walking through the field accompanied by a man and two children. Troopers who arrived at the scene provided life-saving medical aid and Soto was transported to a local hospital, where she later died.
Criminal charges and bond
Moorhead faces multiple felony counts, including manslaughter recklessly causing the death of another person, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, according to the state police press release. He was released after posting a $43,000 cash bond. Police say the incident remains under active investigation.
Family response and community fundraising
Soto was described by a fundraising page as a mother of five and a beloved aunt. Her family launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses and the cost of returning her body to Guatemala. The fundraiser said the family is facing “overwhelming pain” and a heavy financial burden while grieving. As of Monday evening, roughly $12,000 had been raised.
"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 indicated funds would assist with funeral services and repatriation.
What we know: timeline and facts
- When: About 7:40 p.m. Friday evening (state police report).
- Where: An open field in Ellendale, Delaware.
- Victim: Santos Maria Chilel Soto, 39, described as a mother of five.
- Accused: Walter Moorhead, 74, hunting from a ground blind, arrested and charged.
- Legal status: Multiple felony charges; $43,000 cash bond posted; investigation ongoing.
Local impact and unanswered questions
The shooting underscores the risks that can arise when hunting takes place near areas used by pedestrians, including families and children. State police have not released additional details about the precise location inside the field, whether hunting was permitted on that property, or whether witnesses or bystanders provided testimony. Officials also have not commented publicly on any safety violations or on the specific circumstances that led Moorhead to believe he was firing at an animal.
Police statements indicate the investigation is continuing; any additional charges or clarifying details would depend on findings from that probe. Authorities typically examine ballistic evidence, witness accounts and whether the shooter followed applicable safety protocols, but investigators have not publicly detailed the steps they have taken in this case.
Quick reference: incident summary
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date/time | Friday, about 7:40 p.m. |
| Location | Open field, Ellendale, Delaware |
| Victim | Santos Maria Chilel Soto, 39 |
| Accused | Walter Moorhead, 74 |
| Charges | Manslaughter; possession of firearm during felony; three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment |
| Bond | $43,000 cash |
Local residents and hunting communities often balance outdoor recreation with concerns about safety and land use. This case may prompt renewed attention to best practices for hunters and for families moving through mixed-use rural areas, though authorities have not issued new guidance tied directly to this incident.
WE NEWS will continue to monitor developments in the investigation and will report any additional information released by Delaware State Police, including court filings or statements from law enforcement and the family.
