Delaware authorities arrested a 74-year-old man from Salisbury after investigators say he shot and killed a woman walking in an open field in Ellendale on the evening of Sept. 18.
The Delaware State Police identified the victim as 39-year-old Santos Maria Chilel Soto of Georgetown. Troopers were called to an open field near South Old State Road, north of East Robbins Road, at about 7:40 p.m. and found the woman suffering from a gunshot wound. Soto was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Police say the suspect, Walter Moorhead of Salisbury, was hunting deer from a ground blind in the area when he believed he saw a deer and fired his rifle, striking the victim. Moorhead was taken into custody at the scene and the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit assumed the investigation.
Charges and custody
Moorhead was charged and arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court. Authorities say he was released after posting a cash bond of $43,000. The Delaware State Police listed the following charges:
- Manslaughter — recklessly caused death of another person (felony)
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony (felony)
- Reckless endangering in the first degree — three counts (felony)
The Homicide Unit continues to investigate and has asked anyone with information to contact Detective M. Csapo at (302) 741-2729. Tips may also be submitted through a private message to the Delaware State Police social media accounts or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Context and community impact
The incident has drawn attention in both Delaware and Maryland because the defendant lives in Salisbury and the victim lived in Georgetown, underscoring how hunting accidents and shootings can cross state lines and affect neighboring communities. The case remains under active investigation, and prosecutors will decide whether to pursue additional charges based on evidence gathered by the Homicide Unit.
Officials have not released additional details about the circumstances that led the suspect to believe he was shooting at a deer, nor have they identified the man and two children who were reportedly walking through the field with Soto at the time. Investigators routinely seek witnesses and remote camera footage in open-field shooting investigations to establish a clear timeline and line of sight.
Safety reminders and legal steps
Hunting incidents that result in injury or death typically trigger both criminal and civil inquiries. The charges filed in this case allege reckless conduct and the use of a firearm during a felony, which can carry significant penalties if convicted. Local law enforcement and hunting organizations often reiterate basic safety practices after such incidents, including:
- Wearing brightly colored clothing in and near hunting areas.
- Confirming targets visually beyond doubt before firing.
- Knowing and following posted access restrictions and designated hunting seasons.
Authorities are also reminding the public that witness information can be vital to homicide investigations. Individuals with knowledge of the event are encouraged to contact Detective M. Csapo at the number provided.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Santos Maria Chilel Soto, 39, Georgetown |
| Suspect | Walter Moorhead, 74, Salisbury |
| Location | Open field near South Old State Road, north of East Robbins Road, Ellendale |
| Time | About 7:40 p.m., Sept. 18 |
| Bond | $43,000 cash |
The Delaware State Police asked anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Csapo at (302) 741-2729, send a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police, or call Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Further details will be released as the investigation develops and prosecutors review the case for potential court proceedings.
