A tragic shooting incident in Comanche, Oklahoma, on Christmas Day 2025 led to the death of elderly resident Sandra Phelps, allegedly caused by stray bullets from neighbor Cody Wayne Adams’ target practice. Adams, 33, faces first-degree manslaughter charges after admitting to firing his new Glock 45 handgun in his backyard. The case highlights risks of discharging firearms in residential areas without proper backstops.
Incident Details
Sandra Phelps was fatally shot while seated on her front porch, holding a baby and chatting with family around 3:15 p.m., when a bullet struck her upper right arm before entering her chest at a steep downward angle. Family members heard periodic gunfire—5-7 rounds from the north—shortly before Phelps collapsed after saying “ouch,” with no further shots fired. She was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency response.
Investigation Findings
Sheriff’s deputies canvassed the neighborhood and identified Adams’ home as lacking suitable backstops, unlike others; a resident reported hearing about 20 rounds from his new Christmas handgun. At Adams’ property, investigators found spent casings, a broken ceramic tile hit by bullets explaining the trajectory, and visibility of police lights from Phelps’ home. Adams admitted shooting south toward a Red Bull can, became emotional upon learning of the death, and said “I’m sorry.”
Legal Proceedings
Charged with first-degree manslaughter, Adams was arrested, appeared in court on December 26 with bond set at $100,000, and faces a preliminary hearing on February 26. The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office affidavit details how the shooting angle and lack of barriers allowed the bullet to travel blocks and strike Phelps. This underscores legal responsibilities for safe firearm use in populated areas.
