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Delaware Man Arrested After Deer Mistake Fatal Shooting

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 11:03 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Delaware authorities arrested 74-year-old Walter Moorhead for fatally shooting Santos Maria Chilel Soto.
Moorhead said he mistook Soto for a deer while hunting from a ground blind.
He faces class B felony charges of manslaughter, firearm possession during a felony and reckless endangering.
Moorhead posted a $43,000 bond and will appear for a preliminary hearing on September 25.
Soto’s partner called the killing a cold-blooded murder and said there were no excuses.

History

Historical Context

The 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban, signed by President Clinton and set to expire after ten years in 2004, restricted semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines. Its limited effect on gun homicides spurred state action; today Delaware State Police arrested 74-year-old Walter Moorhead, while the NRA and Gov. John Carney push for stricter hunting-firearm rules.

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Story summary

Delaware authorities arrested 74-year-old Walter Moorhead for fatally shooting Santos Maria Chilel Soto.
Moorhead said he mistook Soto for a deer while hunting from a ground blind.
He faces class B felony charges of manslaughter, firearm possession during a felony and reckless endangering.
Moorhead posted a $43,000 bond and will appear for a preliminary hearing on September 25.
Soto’s partner called the killing a cold-blooded murder and said there were no excuses.

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