‘Said “Ouch” and Collapsed’: Woman Sitting on Front Porch With Family Killed by Stray Bullet on Christmas
Inset: Cody Wayne Adams (Stephens County Sheriff's Office). Background: The Stephens County Courthouse in Duncan, Oklahoma (Google Maps).
A woman was fatally shot while sitting on the front porch of a home in rural Oklahoma, allegedly after a neighbor fired a gun while practicing in his backyard, authorities said.
Cody Wayne Adams, 33, has been charged with first-degree manslaughter, according to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office. He was arrested around 7:30 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Deputies said the incident occurred Thursday afternoon at a home along County Road 1800 in Stephens County. The victim, described as an elderly woman, was seated on a covered front porch with family members and was holding a baby in her left arm while sitting on a loveseat, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by ABC News.
Investigators believe gunshots were heard in the area shortly before the shooting. The woman reportedly remarked that someone nearby must have received a new gun for Christmas. Moments later, she said “ouch” and collapsed.
Authorities said the woman was struck by a bullet that entered her right upper arm and traveled into her chest. Deputies and first responders arrived at approximately 3:15 p.m. and found the woman suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. No one else, including the baby, was injured.
Later, deputies received information indicating that a nearby resident had been firing a gun in his backyard after receiving it as a Christmas gift and that the shooting may have been directed toward the area where the victim was located.
Investigators went to the address and spoke with a man identified as Adams, who confirmed he had been target shooting in his backyard and had heard that someone had died from a gunshot wound several roads away, authorities said.
Deputies also learned Adams had purchased a Glock 45 handgun for Christmas. Neighbors reportedly told investigators they heard approximately 20 rounds fired that afternoon at a Red Bull can in Adams’ backyard. A deputy informed Adams that his shooting may have been responsible for the woman’s death.
According to the affidavit, Adams became visibly upset and began crying. A deputy noted that Adams admitted there was nothing behind his property that would have stopped bullets from traveling beyond his yard and potentially striking someone.
Adams appeared in court Friday, where bond was set at $100,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 26, 2026.
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