Oklahoma man charged with homicide after killing elderly woman while target shooting on Christmas Day
Authorities charged a 33-year-old man with first-degree murder after he allegedly accidentally discharged a firearm in his backyard
An Oklahoma man was charged with first-degree murder after he allegedly discharged a firearm while target shooting in his backyard on Christmas Day, killing an elderly woman who was sitting on her porch, authorities said.
The accused was identified as Cody Wayne Adams, of 33 years old. According to court documents, the incident occurred Thursday afternoon in the town of Comanche, in Stephens County. The victim was with her family. According to the probable cause affidavit, the woman was sitting on a loveseat on a covered porch, accompanied by family members and holding a baby, when she was shot in the right arm. The bullet then penetrated her chest cavity, causing her death shortly afterwards. Emergency services arrived at the scene around 3:15 pm, and the victim was pronounced dead soon after. Authorities did not release her identity or exact age, only describing her as an “elderly woman.” The investigation focused on the defendant's yard. Family members of the victim reported hearing between five and seven gunshots coming from the north of the residence minutes before the shooting. During the investigation, officers searched several nearby homes and determined that only Adams' property lacked adequate safety barriers for target practice. According to the police report, Adams had received a Glock 45 pistol as a Christmas gift and was heard by neighbors firing approximately 20 rounds that afternoon. The defendant admitted to officers that he was shooting at a can in his backyard without any barrier to stop the projectiles. Charges and Proceedings: After being informed that one of the shots could have caused the woman's death, Adams displayed a strong emotional reaction. Subsequently, after being read his rights, He admitted to firing the weapon south from his home. Authorities arrested him Thursday night, and during his initial court appearance, bail was set at $100,000. The prosecution alleges that the defendant acted with conscious disregard for the safety of others by creating a dangerous situation with a firearm. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 26, as the legal process continues.

