Elderly Hunter Fatally Shoots Woman, Claims He Thought She Was a Deer
An elderly man was arrested last week after killing a woman he allegedly thought was a deer.
According to Delaware State Police, on Sep. 18, 74-year-old Walter Moorhead was hunting in a field near South Old State Road.
From a distance, Moorhead saw the victim, 39-year-old Maria Chilel Soto, who was with her boyfriend and two kids. The 74-year-old allegedly mistook her for a deer, and he fatally shot her.
Local police responded to the scene around 7:40 p.m. and attempted to resuscitate the victim before she was taken to a nearby hospital. Sadly, Soto was pronounced dead later that night.
According to Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, during the current hunting season, deer hunting is permitted on Sundays from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
In Delaware, the sun usually sets around 7:00 p.m. during this time of year.
Arrest and Charges
Moorhead was identified as the shooter and arrested on the scene. The case was transferred over to the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit.
The 74-year-old man faces five felony counts, including Reckless Endangering First Degree, Manslaughter Recklessly Caused Death of Another Person, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.
Moorhead was released from jail after paying a $43,000 bond, but his case is still under investigation.
Potential Sentences
If the suspect is found guilty of Manslaughter Recklessly Caused Death of Another Person in Delaware, he could face up to 25 years in prison.
The felony requires a minimum two-year sentence. For Reckless Endangering First Degree, an individual could face up to five years of incarceration, and for Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, he could serve up to 25 years.
GoFundMe for Victim’s Family
Belman Robles, the nephew of Maria Chilel Soto, launched a GoFundMe to raise money for her family. Per the fundraiser, Soto was a mother of five.
“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,” Robles wrote in the GoFundMe. “If possible, support may also help the five children Maria left behind as they face life without their mother.”
The funds would also cover funeral and related expenses, and help pay to bring Soto’s body back to Guatemala, where she was originally from.
As of Sep. 22, the fundraiser has raised $14,891, 58% of its $26,000 goal. Donations can be made here.
