US man shooting gun in yard kills woman blocks away, police say
Share and Follow
An Oklahoma man firing a gun he bought as a Christmas present has been charged with manslaughter in the US after authorities say a stray bullet left his yard during target practice and fatally struck a neighbor who was sitting on a porch blocks away.

Cody Wayne Adams, 33, is facing charges of first-degree manslaughter in Stephens County. On Friday, he was taken into custody and subsequently released on a bond set at $100,000, which is approximately $149,375, according to court documents.

On Christmas Day, Stephens County deputies responded to a call at a residence north of Comanche. Sandra Phelps had been shot while sitting on the front porch with a child, as stated in a sheriff’s affidavit. Witnesses reported that Phelps exclaimed “ouch” before collapsing.

Cody Wayne Adams, 33, is accused of the manslaughter of a woman in Oklahoma. (Stephens County Sheriff’s Office)

Investigators confirmed that Phelps had sustained a gunshot wound, and she was declared dead roughly 20 minutes after the initial call to the authorities, the affidavit reveals.

Law enforcement reached out to Adams, who confessed to recently purchasing a .45-caliber handgun. He admitted to shooting at a can in his yard, which is approximately 800 meters from the location where Phelps was struck.

Upon learning from the deputies that he was suspected of shooting Phelps, “Adams became visibly upset and began to cry,” wrote Captain Timothy Vann of the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office in the affidavit.

A telephone message left Monday with Adams’ attorney, Carl Buckholts, was not immediately returned.

Court records show Adams is scheduled to appear in court on February 25 and was ordered to have no contact with the victim’s family.

Oklahoma law defines first-degree manslaughter as a homicide that occurs when perpetrated without a “design to effect death” while a person is engaged in the commission of a misdemeanor.

It is punishable by up to life in prison. Charging documents allege Adams engaged in conduct with a firearm that demonstrated a “conscious disregard for the safety of others,” a misdemeanor crime in Oklahoma.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Beach matting allows people who use wheelchairs to reach the water's edge.

Discover Why This Melbourne Beach is Touted as Australia’s Top Coastal Gem

A quick dip to cool off on a scorching summer’s day, or…
Police were seen asking the residents of the house to come outside with their hands up.

Sydney Resident Faces Charges in Alleged Shooting Plot

A man has been charged for his alleged role in a conspiracy…

Industry Experts Advocate for Enhanced Safety Measures for E-Bikes and E-Scooters

Queensland Police have issued more than 2,100 fines to e-mobility device users…
The worst of the rainfall is set to hit in the next two days, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Queensland Braces for Flash Floods: Urgent Warnings Issued Amid Torrential Downpours

Residents in North Queensland are being told to prepare for life-threatening flash…

Unveiling Hidden Truths: The Complex Challenges of Whistleblowing in Australia

Australians looking to expose wrongdoing need to navigate a complex legal minefield,…
FILE - Grace Chyuwei pours water on Joe Chyuwei to help with the heat Aug. 3, 2025, in Death Valley National Park, Calif. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

2025 Ranked Among Top Three Hottest Years: Scientists Reveal Alarming Climate Trends

Climate change worsened by human behaviour made 2025 one of the three…
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), front row second from left, poses with other military officers after promoting to generals, back row, from left, Yang Zhibin of the Eastern Theater Command and Han Shengyan commander of Central Theater Command in Beijing on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. (Li Gang/Xinhua via AP)

Chinese Military Conducts Strategic Drills Near Taiwan to Deter External Intervention

China’s military launched joint drills involving air, navy, and rocket units around…
'Amazing experience' as great white shark snagged off Barwon Heads

Thrilling Encounter: Great White Shark Captured Off Barwon Heads Sparks Excitement

Oscar Ford had a gut feeling that his latest catch was something…