A Maryland hunter fatally shot a young woman / He mistook her for a deer

A young woman was fatally shot by a hunter in a field near the town of Ellendale, in the U.S. state of Maryland, after the man claimed he had mistaken her for a deer. The victim was found injured and paramedics transported her to hospital, where she later died.

According to investigators, the man was hunting deer from a camouflaged ground blind designed to prevent hunters from being detected by animals. He reportedly told authorities that he believed he saw a deer and opened fire, fatally striking the victim.

An investigation is ongoing. According to information published by The Guardian, rifle hunting for deer was not yet legal in the state at the time of the incident.

The hunter was charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Delaware police said he was released after posting $43,000 bail.

In Delaware, involuntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony are classified as Class B felonies and can carry sentences of up to 25 years in prison.