An Oklahoma man faces a first-degree manslaughter charge after authorities say a bullet he fired during backyard target practice on Christmas Day fatally struck a woman sitting on a nearby porch with family members, including children.
Cody Wayne Adams, 33, was arrested on December 25 and later released on $100,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 25.
Sandra Phelps, of Comanche, was sitting on a loveseat on a covered front porch in the 282000 block of E. Stephens County Road 1800 in Duncan when she was hit once in the right upper arm. The bullet then entered her chest cavity just below the armpit at a steep downward angle, a probable cause affidavit said.
She was holding one child in her left arm; another was in a nearby stroller, and two other adults were present.
Witnesses reported hearing periodic gunfire — five to seven rounds over several minutes — from the north. Phelps remarked that “someone got a new gun for Christmas,” the affidavit said. Moments later, she said “ouch” and collapsed. No further shots were heard.
Emergency crews arrived around 3:30 p.m. and pronounced Phelps dead at the scene despite CPR efforts.
Investigators canvassed nearby homes with help from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Duncan Police Department, and Oklahoma Highway Patrol. They determined that only one property in the 282000 block of E. Oliver Drive lacked adequate backstops for safe shooting.
At that residence, Adams told deputies he had bought himself a Glock .45-caliber handgun as a Christmas gift a few days earlier and had fired about 20 rounds at an energy drink can on the ground south of his home. Neighbors reported hearing the shots that afternoon.
From Adams’ shooting position, authorities found a clear line of sight aligning with the victim’s porch. Spent casings were recovered in his yard.
Adams cooperated with a search and interview, during which he became visibly upset and began to cry upon learning of the death. When asked if he had anything to say, he replied, “I’m sorry,” the affidavit said, per KOCO news.
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office consulted the district attorney before arresting Adams that evening.
Under Oklahoma law, a first-degree manslaughter conviction carries a minimum of four years in prison. The investigation is ongoing.
