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Neighbour fatally shot by stray bullet on Christmas Day
An Oklahoma man faces first-degree manslaughter charges after a bullet fired from a gun he purchased as a Christmas gift struck and killed a woman sitting on her porch several blocks away, authorities said.
Incident details
Sandra Phelps, 33, was outside her home in Stephens County on 25 December holding a child when she was hit by the stray bullet. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots before Ms Phelps exclaimed, "Ouch," and collapsed.
She was struck in the upper right arm, with the bullet penetrating her chest. Emergency responders pronounced her dead approximately 20 minutes after the shooting was reported. The child she was holding was unharmed.
Suspect's account and charges
Cody Wayne Adams, 33, told investigators he had recently acquired a Glock .45-calibre handgun and was firing at a drink can in his backyard, roughly half a mile (0.8 km) from Ms Phelps' location. Deputies informed him they suspected his shot had struck the victim, prompting an emotional reaction.
"He became visibly upset and began to cry,"
Stephens County Sheriff's Captain Timothy Vann, in an affidavit
Captain Vann noted in the affidavit that Mr Adams was shooting toward the ground in an area with no barriers to stop bullets from traveling beyond his property.
Legal context
Under Oklahoma law, first-degree manslaughter applies when a death occurs without intent but during the commission of a misdemeanor. Prosecutors allege Mr Adams demonstrated a "conscious disregard for the safety of others" while handling the firearm, constituting the misdemeanor in this case.
The charge carries a potential sentence of up to life imprisonment. Mr Adams was released on a $100,000 (£74,000) bond after being booked on 26 December. He is scheduled to appear in court on 25 February and has been ordered not to contact the victim's family.
