An Oklahoma man has been charged with first-degree manslaughter following a tragic incident where a bullet he discharged during backyard target practice claimed the life of a woman celebrating Christmas with her family.
Court documents reveal that Cody Adams, aged 33, is facing charges of first-degree manslaughter related to this unfortunate event.
On the afternoon of December 25th, at around 3:15 p.m., the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a shooting scene in Stephens County, Oklahoma. The incident resulted in the death of Sandra Phelps, who was sitting on her porch with a child when she was struck, as detailed in the probable cause affidavit.
Witnesses recounted to deputies that they had intermittently heard gunfire emanating from the north of the residence. Shortly after, Phelps was heard saying “ouch” before she collapsed. Just prior to the incident, Phelps had reportedly remarked that someone must have received a new gun for Christmas.
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the fatal bullet, fired by Cody Adams during target practice, was the cause of death on Christmas Day.
Upon investigation, it was concluded that the bullet entered Phelps’ upper right arm and then traveled into her chest, indicating a sharp downward trajectory.
A canvass of nearby properties identified one residence without a suitable shooting backstop, which belonged to Adams, according to the affidavit.
Adams told deputies he had been shooting a new Glock .45-caliber handgun he bought for himself for Christmas, and he showed police where he had been shooting in his backyard at a Red Bull on the ground.
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office investigated a Christmas Day shooting that left a woman dead, authorities said. (Stephens County Sheriff’s Office)
The affidavit states that “there was nothing behind his property to stop any bullets from traveling beyond his property and hurting someone.”
Investigators also found spent shell casings and a piece of broken ceramic tile in front of the target, which they say likely caused the bullet’s altered trajectory, according to the affidavit.
An Oklahoma man has been charged with first-degree manslaughter in connection with a Christmas Day shooting in Stephens County, court records show. (iStock)
Adams later told police he was “sorry” and “became visibly upset” after being informed they believed his bullet caused Phelps’ death.
Adams appeared in court on Friday and was released on a $100,000 bond, according to court records.
