Oklahoma Man Charged in Christmas Day Shooting

A man in Oklahoma is facing first-degree manslaughter charges linked to a tragic incident on Christmas Day, where a woman was fatally struck by a bullet while sitting with her family in their backyard.

Cody Adams, 33, has been charged in connection with the shooting, as reported in court documents.

The incident occurred around 3:15 PM on December 25 in Stevens County. Officers from the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report that Sandra Phelps had been shot while sitting on her front porch, holding her child.

Witnesses reported hearing gunfire coming from the north side of the property before Phelps collapsed, exclaiming, “It hurts.” Not long before the shooting, she had mentioned someone receiving a new gun for Christmas.

Authorities found that the bullet entered Phelps’ upper right arm and struck her chest at a steep angle, indicating a downward trajectory.

A search of the area revealed a nearby residence belonging to Adams that lacked adequate safety measures for firing weapons. According to the affidavit, Adams admitted to shooting a new Glock .45 handgun he received for Christmas and pointed out where he had been aiming at a Red Bull can in his backyard.

The affidavit also noted that there were no barriers behind Adams’ property to stop the bullets from traveling into neighboring areas.

Additionally, investigators discovered a shell casing and fragments of broken ceramic tile near the target, suggesting these may have altered the bullet’s path.

After learning of Phelps’ death, Adams reportedly expressed his sorrow and appeared visibly shaken.

He appeared in court and was later released on $100,000 bail, as indicated in the court records.