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COMANCHE, Okla. (WKRC) – A man is accused of fatally shooting an elderly woman on Christmas Day while practicing with a new handgun in his backyard, authorities said.
Cody Wayne Adams, 33, is charged with first-degree manslaughter in the death of Sandra Phelps, who was struck by a stray bullet while sitting on her front porch in Comanche, according to court records obtained by PEOPLE.
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office said deputies and emergency crews were called to the scene around 3:15 p.m. after reports of a gunshot wound.
PEOPLE reported that Phelps was holding a baby and talking with family members when she was hit. Authorities said the bullet first struck her arm before entering her chest. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a probable cause affidavit, family members reported hearing gunfire coming from the north of the home. Phelps allegedly remarked that “someone got a new gun for Christmas” moments before saying “ouch” and collapsing. Investigators said the bullet entered her chest cavity at a steep downward angle.
Deputies canvassed the neighborhood and found that most nearby properties had adequate backstops for shooting, except one. A resident told investigators Adams had received a new handgun for Christmas and was heard firing about 20 rounds that afternoon.
Adams told investigators he was shooting a Glock 45 at a Red Bull can in his backyard. Authorities said spent shell casings were found at his home and that police lights from Phelps’ residence were visible from his shooting location. Capt. Timothy Vann of the sheriff’s office wrote that there was nothing behind Adams’ property to stop bullets from traveling beyond his yard.
Investigators said Adams became visibly upset and cried after learning of Phelps’ death and later apologized during an interview, saying, “I’m sorry.”
Adams was arrested and appeared in court Dec. 26, where a judge set his bond at $100,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 26.
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