URGENT UPDATE: A tragic incident on Christmas Day has left a family grieving after a stray bullet, fired during a neighbor’s target practice, fatally struck Sandra Phelps, a 74-year-old great-grandmother, in Comanche, Oklahoma. The horrifying event unfolded just before 3:15 PM on December 25, 2025, while Phelps was enjoying time with her family on her porch.
According to police reports, Phelps was holding a child in her arms when she was hit. Moments before the incident, she commented that nearby gunfire might indicate someone had received a new firearm for Christmas. Her family described hearing approximately five to seven gunshots from the north prior to the tragedy.
The alleged shooter, Cody Wayne Adams, 33, was using a Glock .45-caliber handgun he had purchased as a Christmas gift for himself. Police confirmed he was firing at a Red Bull can when one of the bullets veered off course and struck Phelps. The bullet entered her upper right arm and traveled into her chest cavity, leading to her death.
Adams was arrested that evening and charged with first-degree manslaughter. He has since been released on a $100,000 bond and is prohibited from contacting Phelps’ family. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February.
Investigators revealed that Adams’ property lacked an adequate backstop for shooting, which contributed to the tragic accident. They found spent shell casings and broken ceramic tiles near his target, indicating that the bullet’s trajectory may have been altered. Adams reportedly fired about 20 rounds using two magazines of Winchester .45-caliber ammunition.
In an emotional statement, Phelps’ youngest daughter, Sharon Marie Brooke, described her mother as “the most amazing person you’ve ever met,” emphasizing her love for family and life. “She was the definition of beauty, grace, and love,” Brooke added, highlighting Phelps’ role as ‘Nanny’ to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
This devastating incident has underscored the importance of safe gun practices, with law enforcement noting that Adams’ actions exhibited “conscious disregard for the safety of others,” creating a significant risk of fatal harm.
As the community mourns the loss of a beloved family member, many are calling for stricter regulations regarding shooting practices in residential areas to prevent future tragedies.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
