DUNCAN, Okla. — A tragic Christmas Day incident in Stephens County has led to the arrest of a man on manslaughter charges following the fatal shooting of a woman who was sitting on her porch with family. Sandra Phelps, 45, was reported dead after being struck by gunfire in her front yard.
According to court documents, deputies arrived at the scene on County Road 1800 after receiving reports of gunshots. Witnesses described the moments leading up to the shooting, noting that Phelps was enjoying time with her family when they heard multiple shots ring out. Phelps was found with a gunshot wound, and despite the family’s immediate efforts to aid her, she succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities later identified Cody Adams, 33, as the shooter. During a search of his nearby property, Adams told deputies that he had received a firearm as a Christmas gift and had been firing it in his backyard. Investigators believe that one of his shots may have traveled into Phelps’s yard, as there were no barriers to obstruct the bullets.
In a subsequent interview at the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, Adams reportedly acknowledged discharging his weapon and expressed remorse upon learning of Phelps’s death. He has been charged with first-degree manslaughter, which carries serious legal implications. Currently, Adams is out on bond and is set to appear in court next month for proceedings related to the case.
This incident raises questions about gun safety, particularly in residential areas where families gather. Local authorities are emphasizing the importance of being responsible when handling firearms, especially during festive occasions, when many people may be celebrating in outdoor settings.
As the community grapples with the shock of this event, Phelps’s family and friends are mourning her loss. They are now calling for stricter measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The investigation is ongoing, and local law enforcement is urging anyone with further information about the shooting to come forward. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case highlights the broader issue of gun violence and its impact on families and communities across the nation.