Full Breakdown
Oklahoma Man Charged in Christmas Day Shooting of Woman
12/27/2025, 7:50:39 PM
Incident Overview
On Christmas Day, a tragic incident occurred in Comanche, Oklahoma, where 33-year-old Cody Wayne Adams is accused of fatally shooting 51-year-old Sandra Phelps while he was practicing target shooting in his backyard. The shooting took place around 3:15 p.m. as Phelps was seated on a front porch holding a child. According to authorities, she was struck by a bullet that entered her arm and traveled into her chest cavity, leading to her death at the scene.
Details of the Shooting
Witnesses reported hearing five to seven gunshots coming from the direction of Adams' residence, which is located less than a mile from where Phelps was shot. Phelps had commented on the gunfire, suggesting that someone nearby had received a new firearm for Christmas. Shortly after her remark, she collapsed, prompting family members to call for help. Investigators later determined that Adams had been shooting a Glock .45-caliber handgun at a Red Bull can in his backyard, with no suitable backstop to prevent bullets from traveling beyond his property.
Legal Proceedings
Cody Wayne Adams was arrested on suspicion of first-degree manslaughter and subsequently released on a $100,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 25. During police interviews, Adams expressed visible distress upon learning that his shooting might have caused Phelps' death. He acknowledged firing multiple rounds southward from his property, which investigators noted posed an unreasonable risk to others.
Official Statements & Responses
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office indicated that Adams' actions demonstrated a conscious disregard for the safety of others. The affidavit detailing the incident highlighted that no bullet strikes were found on Phelps' home, suggesting that the bullet had traveled a significant distance before striking her.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of backyard shooting practices have raised concerns about the safety measures in place for such activities. The lack of a proper backstop at Adams' residence has been a focal point in discussions about responsible firearm use, particularly in residential areas.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the affidavit states that Adams fired approximately 20 rounds during the afternoon, there is no consensus on the exact number of shots heard by witnesses. Additionally, the investigation did not find any bullet strikes on the house where Phelps was sitting, raising questions about the trajectory and distance of the bullet that struck her.
Verbatim Quotes
- “became visibly upset and began to cry,” — Affidavit on Cody Wayne Adams' reaction to the shooting.
- “there was nothing behind his property to stop any bullets from traveling beyond his property and hurting someone.” — Deputy's statement to Adams during the investigation.
