Oklahoma man charged with manslaughter after shooting woman holding baby on Christmas

The Stephens County, Oklahoma, Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded around 3:15 pm on Dec. 25 to reports of a shooting. Sandra Phelps was holding a child when she was hit by the bullet, which entered her upper right arm and traveled into her chest, consistent with a steep downward trajectory.

Witnesses told deputies they heard gunshots over several minutes from a nearby location before Phelps said “ouch” and collapsed, the probable cause affidavit states. Moments before, she had commented that someone got a new gun for Christmas.

Investigators identified Adams’ residence as the source of the stray bullet. He had been shooting a new Glock .45-caliber handgun in his backyard and demonstrated the location to deputies, placing a Red Bull on the ground as a target. Authorities noted there was no proper backstop behind his property to prevent bullets from leaving the yard.

The affidavit also reports that spent shell casings and a piece of broken ceramic tile were found near the target, which may have altered the bullet’s trajectory.

Adams reportedly expressed remorse, telling deputies he was “sorry” and becoming visibly upset when informed the bullet caused Phelps’ death.

He appeared in court on Friday and was released on a $100,000 bond, court records show. Investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.