Hunter Faces Manslaughter Charges After Allegedly Mistaking Woman for Deer in Delaware
In Ellendale, Delaware, a 74-year-old hunter is facing manslaughter and other charges after allegedly shooting and killing a 39-year-old woman, Santos Maria Chilel Soto, whom he reportedly mistook for a deer while she was walking through a field.
Birmingham, AL, September 21, 2026 —
A 74-year-old hunter has been charged with manslaughter and other offenses following the fatal shooting of a 39-year-old woman in Ellendale, Delaware. The victim has been identified as Santos Maria Chilel Soto.
Authorities allege that the hunter mistook Ms. Soto for a deer while she was walking through a field. The incident occurred in Ellendale, Delaware.
The specific details regarding the timeline of events leading up to the shooting, the exact location within the field, and the circumstances under which the alleged mistaken identity occurred were not immediately available. The contractor’s name was not provided. The fine amount was not provided.
Further investigation into the incident is ongoing. The charges filed include manslaughter and other related offenses. No further information regarding the investigation’s progress or next steps was immediately released by authorities.
Story summarized from the original created by Kali O’Rourke on www.wbrc.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
