Full Breakdown
Oklahoma Man Charged with Manslaughter After Christmas Day Shooting
12/29/2025, 10:50:59 PM
Incident Overview
On December 25, 2025, Cody Wayne Adams, a 33-year-old resident of Comanche, Oklahoma, was charged with first-degree manslaughter after allegedly shooting and killing Sandra Phelps, an elderly woman, while practicing target shooting in his backyard. The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. when Phelps was sitting on a covered porch with family, holding a child, and was struck by a bullet that entered her right upper arm and pierced her chest cavity.
Details of the Shooting
According to the probable cause affidavit, Phelps and her family heard gunshots coming from the north before she remarked about someone possibly receiving a new gun for Christmas. Shortly thereafter, she exclaimed "ouch" and collapsed. Emergency responders arrived shortly after and pronounced her dead at the scene. Investigators determined that the bullet's trajectory aligned with Adams' shooting location, which lacked adequate backstops to prevent bullets from leaving his property.
Adams had reportedly received a Glock .45 caliber handgun as a Christmas gift and was shooting at a Red Bull can in his backyard. Neighbors reported hearing him fire approximately 20 rounds that afternoon. Upon questioning by law enforcement, Adams expressed visible distress upon learning of Phelps' death and admitted to shooting south from his residence.
Legal Proceedings
Following the investigation, Adams was arrested on December 25 and charged with first-degree manslaughter, which alleges that his actions created an unreasonable risk of death or great bodily harm to others. He was released on a $100,000 bond the following day. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 25, 2026. If convicted, Adams faces a minimum sentence of four years in prison.
Criticism and Broader Implications
The incident has sparked discussions about gun safety and the responsibilities of firearm owners. Critics argue that the shooting underscores the dangers associated with the prevalent gun culture in the United States, particularly regarding the safe use of firearms in residential areas. The lack of proper shooting backstops at Adams' property has been highlighted as a significant factor contributing to the tragedy.
Official Statements
The Stephens County Sheriff's Office stated that they received reports of a gunshot wound shortly after the incident and confirmed that Adams had been shooting in a direction that could potentially harm others. Captain Timothy Vann noted that Adams became emotional upon realizing the consequences of his actions, stating, "I also noted to Adams that while he was shooting towards the ground in his backyard that there was nothing behind his property to stop any bullets from traveling beyond his property and hurting someone."
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sandra commented that someone got a new gun for Christmas and then shortly after Sandra said 'ouch' and collapsed.” — Affidavit
- “Adams became visibly upset and began to cry.” — Affidavit
- “‘I’m sorry.’” — Cody Wayne Adams
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the affidavit indicates that Phelps was shot by a bullet fired by Adams, the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting and the specific angle of the bullet have not been fully clarified in the reports. Additionally, there is no information on whether Adams has legal representation at this time.
This incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding firearm safety and the potential for tragic outcomes when safety measures are not adequately observed.
