UPDATE: A tragic incident on Christmas Day has left a family in mourning after 74-year-old Sandra Phelps, a great-grandmother who overcame cancer five times, was fatally shot by a stray bullet during her neighbor’s target practice in Comanche, Oklahoma. The horrifying event unfolded just before 3:15 PM on December 25, 2025, as Phelps enjoyed the holiday with her family.
Phelps was outside on her porch, holding a child, when she was struck by a bullet fired by her neighbor, Cody Wayne Adams, 33. Witnesses reported hearing five to seven gunshots for several minutes before the tragic incident occurred. Just moments prior, Phelps had commented about someone nearby likely receiving a “new gun for Christmas,” according to police affidavits.
The bullet entered her upper right arm and traveled into her chest cavity, leading to her untimely death. Following the incident, Adams was arrested and charged with first-degree manslaughter. He appeared in court on Friday and was released on a $100,000 bond, with a restriction on contacting Phelps’ family. A preliminary hearing is set for February.
Authorities confirmed that Adams was using a Glock .45-caliber handgun, a Christmas gift to himself, when the fatal shot was fired. Investigators found that Adams’ property lacked a proper backstop for shooting, raising serious safety concerns. They discovered spent shell casings and a broken ceramic tile near the target, potentially altering the bullet’s trajectory.
Adams reportedly fired about 20 rounds while aiming at a Red Bull can on the ground. When informed that his actions may have led to Phelps’ death, he became visibly upset, expressing his sorrow to law enforcement.
Phelps’ family is devastated by the loss of their beloved matriarch. Her youngest daughter, Sharon Marie Brooke, 50, described her mother as “the most amazing person you’ve ever met,” emphasizing her love for family and her infectious spirit. Phelps, affectionately known as “Nanny,” was cherished by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, ranging in age from just seven months to 39 years old.
This tragic incident highlights the need for stricter regulations regarding shooting practices in residential areas. As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the consequences of a reckless act that claimed the life of a beloved family member.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this devastating event.
