A Tragic Christmas Shooting: Negligence Leads to Heartbreaking Loss
On what should have been a joyous Christmas Day in Stephens County, Oklahoma, a family’s celebration turned to tragedy when 33-year-old Cody Adams’ recreational target practice resulted in the death of a neighbor. Sandra Phelps was sitting on her front porch with family members, holding a child, when she was struck by a stray bullet. Just moments before being hit, Phelps had reportedly commented that “someone got a new gun for Christmas” as the sound of periodic gunshots echoed from a nearby property. After being struck, witnesses recalled Phelps simply saying “ouch” before collapsing. The medical examination would later reveal that the bullet had entered her upper right arm before traveling downward into her chest, causing fatal injuries.
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office responded to the emergency call at approximately 3:15 PM on December 25th, launching an immediate investigation to determine the source of the gunfire. Deputies canvassed the surrounding area and identified Adams’ property as problematic, noting it lacked any suitable backstop to prevent bullets from traveling beyond his yard. When questioned by authorities, Adams admitted he had been testing out a new Glock .45-caliber handgun that he had purchased as a Christmas gift for himself. He showed investigators where he had been shooting in his backyard, using a Red Bull can placed directly on the ground as an improvised target. The casual nature of his shooting setup would prove to have devastating consequences.
The investigation uncovered critical details about how this tragedy unfolded. Deputies discovered spent shell casings and fragments of broken ceramic tile in front of Adams’ shooting target. According to the probable cause affidavit, investigators believe this tile likely caused the bullet’s trajectory to alter unexpectedly, sending it toward Phelps’ home. What makes this case particularly troubling is that, as noted in the affidavit, “there was nothing behind his property to stop any bullets from traveling beyond his property and hurting someone.” This fundamental safety oversight—the lack of a proper backstop—created a dangerous situation for everyone in the vicinity of Adams’ impromptu shooting range.
When authorities informed Adams that they believed his bullet was responsible for Phelps’ death, he reportedly became “visibly upset” and told police he was “sorry.” These expressions of remorse, however, came too late for the victim and her grieving family. The consequences of Adams’ actions highlight the serious responsibilities that come with firearm ownership. Basic gun safety principles include always being aware of your target and what lies beyond it—a rule that, if followed, might have prevented this tragedy. Instead, a family that had gathered to celebrate a holiday was shattered by unexpected violence, and a community was left to grapple with a senseless loss.
The legal consequences for Adams were swift. He now faces a first-degree manslaughter charge, a serious felony that reflects the gravity of his actions. Court records show that Adams made his initial court appearance on Friday and was subsequently released on a $100,000 bond. While the legal process will determine his ultimate fate, the case serves as a stark reminder about firearm safety and the potential for recreational shooting to turn deadly when proper precautions aren’t taken. The charge against Adams recognizes that while he may not have intended to harm anyone, his negligent behavior directly resulted in a death that could have been prevented.
This Christmas Day tragedy resonates beyond the individuals directly involved. It serves as a sobering reminder about the responsibilities of gun ownership and the potentially fatal consequences of carelessness. For Phelps’ family, what should have been a day of celebration became one of unimaginable loss—a grandmother, mother, or friend taken suddenly while simply enjoying time with loved ones on her own front porch. For the wider community, the incident raises important questions about how neighbors can ensure their recreational activities don’t endanger others. And for gun owners everywhere, it reinforces the critical importance of proper backstops, awareness of surroundings, and maintaining safe shooting practices—even in seemingly private settings like backyards. As this case moves through the courts, one thing remains clear: a moment of recreational carelessness has forever changed multiple lives, leaving one family to mourn a loss that shouldn’t have happened and another to face the consequences of a fatal mistake.
