Backyard Shots Kill Grandma Holding Baby

A stray bullet from backyard target practice on Christmas Day killed an innocent elderly woman holding a baby, turning a festive holiday into tragedy and raising alarms about reckless gun handling in residential areas.

Story Snapshot

Cody Wayne Adams, 33, fired 20 rounds from a new Glock .45 without a proper backstop in Comanche, Oklahoma, on December 25, 2025.
One bullet traveled 0.3 miles, striking and killing Sandra Phelps on her porch amid family, including a baby in her arms.
Adams charged with first-degree manslaughter for reckless conduct under Oklahoma law; bond set at $100,000.
Investigation confirmed lack of backstop via shell casings, neighbor reports, and Adams’ admission.

Tragic Christmas Day Incident

Cody Wayne Adams conducted target practice in his backyard in Comanche, Stephens County, Oklahoma, on December 25, 2025. He fired approximately 20 rounds of Winchester .45-caliber ammunition at a Red Bull can target using his new Glock handgun. Lacking a suitable backstop, one bullet traveled south about 0.3 miles—several blocks—through residential areas. Family members at Sandra Phelps’ home heard 5-7 shots over several minutes from the north.

Fatal Strike on Innocent Victim

Sandra Phelps, an elderly woman, sat on her covered front porch with family, holding a baby in her left arm. Around 3:15 p.m., the bullet entered her right upper arm and penetrated her chest cavity. She had remarked on hearing shots, noting someone got a new gun for Christmas, then said “ouch” and collapsed. First responders pronounced her dead shortly after. The incident underscores profound risks to communities from inadequate safety measures.

Swift Investigation and Arrest

Stephens County Sheriff’s deputies canvassed the area that evening, identifying Adams’ property as the source due to the absence of a proper backstop—unlike other checked sites. Adams admitted to the shooting and grew upset upon learning of the death. After consulting the District Attorney’s Office, deputies arrested him for first-degree manslaughter, citing creation of unreasonable risk through reckless firearm conduct. The next day, December 26, a judge set his bond at $100,000.

Legal Ramifications Under Oklahoma Law

Oklahoma statutes prohibit discharging firearms where persons might be endangered (21 O.S. § 1364) and reckless conduct (21 O.S. § 1289.11). Prosecutors pursue first-degree manslaughter via misdemeanor-manslaughter theory (21 O.S. § 711), based on unlawful discharge and culpable negligence beyond simple carelessness. Defense may challenge backstop adequacy, causation, or the causal chain to negligence. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 26, 2026, in Stephens County court.

An Oklahoma man who was doing target practice in his backyard on Christmas is believed to have shot and killed an elderly woman a few blocks from his home, authorities said.

Cody Wayne Adams, 33, has been charged with first-degree manslaughter in connection with the deadly… pic.twitter.com/Q8uTl5w2xl

— We The Media (@WeTheMedia17) December 27, 2025

Community Impact and Safety Lessons

Phelps’ family endures profound grief and trauma, with the baby present amplifying the horror. Comanche residents now face heightened fears over stray bullets in close-knit rural neighborhoods. This rare case, traced via forensics like shell casings and damaged tile, reinforces the need for backstops in informal shooting. It may spur local ordinances and stricter enforcement, reminding responsible gun owners to prioritize safety to protect Second Amendment rights from overreach.