ELLENDALE, DELAWARE — Walter Moorhead, 74, of Salisbury, Maryland, was charged in the fatal shooting of a woman. The Delaware State Police arrested Moorhead on manslaughter and related charges after he fatally shot Santos Maria Chilel Soto in Ellendale.

The victim was identified as Santos Maria Soto, 39, of Georgetown, Delaware. The shooting occurred at approximately 7:40 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, in an open field in Ellendale, Delaware.

Moorhead stated he believed he saw a deer and fired his rifle, striking Santos Maria Soto. Troopers provided care to Santos Maria Soto before she was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Moorhead was charged with manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The incident occurred in an open field near South Old State Road, north of East Robbins Road in Ellendale, Sussex County.

Moorhead was released on a $43,000 cash bond. The charges followed the investigation into the fatal incident that took place on the evening of September 18.

Why It Matters

The case involves the fatal shooting of a pedestrian by a hunter who stated he mistook the victim for a deer. The charges include manslaughter and reckless endangerment, reflecting the legal response to the death of Santos Maria Soto.

The incident shows the risks associated with hunting activities in areas where pedestrians may be present. Moorhead remains subject to the conditions of his release following the posting of a $43,000 cash bond.

Timeline

On September 29, 2025, the FMCSA amended Federal regulations for State Driver's Licensing Agencies issuing commercial driving credentials to non-domiciled individuals under the rule Restoring Integrity to the Issuance of Non-Domiciled Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDL). On September 18, 2026, Moorhead, 74, of Salisbury, Maryland, was charged in the fatal shooting of a woman.

The shooting occurred at approximately 7:40 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, in an open field in Ellendale, Delaware. Moorhead was hunting from a camouflaged shelter known as a 'ground blind' when he fired his rifle. Moorhead stated he believed he saw a deer and fired his rifle, striking Santos Maria Soto.

Santos Maria Soto was walking in the field with a man and two children when she was shot. Moorhead was charged with manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Moorhead was released on a $43,000 cash bond.