A hunter has been charged with manslaughter after allegedly mistaking a woman for a deer and fatally shooting her.
Walter Moorhead, 74, was arrested following the shooting.
The victim has since been named as Maria Chilel Soto.
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Police were called to an open field after receiving reports that a woman had been shot.
They provided life-saving medical care before the victim was taken to hospital, as reported by Need To Know.
The incident happened in Ellendale, Sussex County, Delaware.
The 39-year-old victim from Georgetown, Delaware, was pronounced dead.
Troopers at the scene spoke to Moorhead and determined that he had fired the shot that struck the woman.
He was taken into custody while the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit took over the investigation.
The preliminary investigation found that the victim had been walking through the field with a man and two children while Moorhead was hunting deer.
Moorhead, of Salisbury, Maryland, allegedly believed he had seen a deer and fired his rifle, striking the woman.
He was later charged with manslaughter and related offences and released after posting a £33,000 cash bond.
A fundraiser has been launched to help Maria Chilel Soto’s family with funeral and transportation costs.
It said: “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.
“They need help covering funeral services and the cost of sending Maria’s body to Guatemala so she can be brought home.
“This heartbreaking situation has placed a heavy financial burden on the family at a time when they are grieving deeply.
“The funds raised will help cover expenses that exceed £15,000 for funeral and transportation costs.
“If possible, support may also help the five children Maria left behind as they face life without their mother.
“Please support Family Chilel during this heartbreaking time.
“Any donation, no matter the amount, will help them honor Maria’s memory, lay her to rest, and provide some relief to the children she loved so much.
“If you are unable to give, sharing this fundraiser and keeping Maria’s family in your thoughts would also mean so much.”
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