Oklahoma Woman Killed by Stray Bullet While Sitting on Front Porch With Family on Christmas, Deputies Say
STEPHENS COUNTY, OKLAHOMA — A quiet Christmas afternoon in rural Oklahoma turned tragic when an elderly woman sitting on her front porch with family members was fatally struck by a stray bullet, allegedly fired by a neighbor testing out a new gun, authorities said.
According to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred Thursday afternoon at a home along County Road 1800. Deputies say the woman was seated on a covered porch holding a baby when she was suddenly shot.
Woman Shot Moments After Hearing Nearby Gunfire
Investigators said gunfire had been heard in the area shortly before the shooting. According to a probable cause affidavit cited by ABC News, the woman reportedly remarked that “someone got a new gun for Christmas” moments before saying “ouch” and collapsing.
Authorities said the bullet entered the woman’s right upper arm and traveled into her chest. First responders arrived around 3:15 p.m., but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The baby she was holding and other family members were not injured.
Neighbor Allegedly Fired Gun Without Backstop
Deputies later received a tip that a nearby resident had recently received a firearm for Christmas and had been firing it in his backyard in the direction of the victim’s home, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators traveled to the address and spoke with Cody Wayne Adams, 33, who allegedly admitted he had been target practicing in his backyard earlier that day.
Authorities say Adams told deputies he had heard someone had been shot “a couple of roads over.” Investigators later learned Adams had purchased a Glock 45 and neighbors reported hearing approximately 20 rounds fired at a Red Bull can in his yard.
Deputies Say Shooting Was Extremely Dangerous
According to the affidavit, a deputy told Adams that he believed the shots fired from his backyard may have caused the woman’s death. Adams reportedly became emotional and began crying.
The deputy also noted that Adams had no safe backstop behind his property, allowing bullets to potentially travel beyond his yard and into nearby homes.
Manslaughter Charge Filed, Court Date Set
Adams was arrested around 7:30 p.m. on Christmas Day and charged with first-degree manslaughter. He appeared in court Friday, where a judge set his bond at $100,000.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 26, 2026.
Authorities have not released the victim’s name pending notification of extended family. The investigation remains ongoing.
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