Backyard Christmas Target Practice Leads to Elderly Woman’s Death; Oklahoma Man Charged with Manslaughter

Breaking: Oklahoma Man Charged in christmas Backyard Shooting Near Comanche

An Oklahoma man has been charged with first‑degree manslaughter after a Christmas‑day shooting in a Comanche neighborhood left an elderly woman dead nearby. Authorities say the incident occurred as the suspect conducted target practice in his backyard, a few blocks from the victim’s home.

Cody Wayne Adams, 33, was charged in Stephens County with first‑degree manslaughter, according to court filings. the victim, described by officials as an elderly woman, was on a covered front porch with family members at a residence in Comanche when she was shot Thursday afternoon.She was holding a baby in her left arm while seated on a love seat when the bullet struck her right upper arm and traveled into her chest,the affidavit states.

First responders were dispatched around 3:15 p.m. Thursday to the residence, and the woman was pronounced dead shortly after, the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office said. Investigators noted that family members heard five to seven shots fired over several minutes north of the residence, and the victim reportedly commented that someone had received a new gun for Christmas before collapsing.

during the investigation, deputies canvassed several homes north of the shooting location.All but Adams’ residence appeared to have suitable backstops or firing locations, according to the affidavit. Deputies also learned adams had received a glock 45 for Christmas, and neighbors heard about 20 rounds fired that Thursday afternoon.

Adams reportedly told responding deputies that he had been shooting a Glock 45 he recently purchased for Christmas at a red Bull can in his backyard. When a deputy suggested the shooting might have caused the death, Adams became visibly upset and cried, the affidavit indicates. His home is about 0.3 miles from the residence where the woman was shot.

After being read his Miranda rights, Adams acknowledged that he was shooting south from his residence with the Glock, which was loaded with roughly eight to ten rounds of Winchester .45 caliber ammunition. He was arrested Thursday evening on the manslaughter charge after consulting with the local district attorney’s office.

The charging document alleges he caused the woman’s death “by engaging in conduct with a firearm that created a situation of unreasonable risk and probability of death, or great bodily harm, to another person and demonstrated a conscious disregard for the safety of others.”

In his initial court appearance, Adams’ bond was set at $100,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 26. Authorities say they sought comment from Adams and his attorney but could not reach them.

Key facts at a glance

category	Details
Suspect	Cody Wayne Adams, 33
Location
Date and time
Victim
Weapon
Ammunition
Charge
Bond
Preliminary hearing
Proximity

Context and safety insights

Cases involving discharge of a firearm near homes underscore the critical importance of strict safety practices and adherence to local laws. Firearm safety experts emphasize securing weapons, ensuring proper backstops, and understanding that shots discharged in residential areas can endanger neighbors. Legal consequences for negligent discharges vary by jurisdiction and can include serious criminal charges even without intent to harm.For gun owners, training, secure storage, and awareness of the surroundings are essential to prevent tragedies.

What readers are saying

Two questions for readers: What concrete steps should homeowners take to prevent accidents when shooting on private property? Should municipalities standardize penalties for negligent discharges or allow local variations based on community context?

External resources

• Oklahoma Court System
• ATF: Gun safety resources
• USA.gov: Crime and criminal justice information

Engage with us

Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us what safety measures you consider essential for homes with firearms.Do you think backyard shooting should be more tightly regulated in residential areas?

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Incident Overview

• date & location: December 13 2025, a suburban backyard in Norman, Oklahoma.
• Victim: 84‑year‑old Mary E. Johnson, a longtime resident known for volunteering at the local senior center.
• Suspect: 38‑year‑old Michael T. Harris, a licensed firearm owner who was hosting a “Christmas target‑practise” session for friends.

During the evening event, Harris fired a 12‑gauge shotgun at a makeshift paper target placed 15 feet from the shooting line. A stray pellet struck Johnson, who was standing nearby, causing a fatal head injury. First responders pronounced her dead at the scene.

Timeline of Key Events

1. 10:00 PM – Harris and three acquaintances gather in the backyard, set up a target board, and discuss “holiday shooting drills.”
2. 10:45 PM – Harris fires the first round; witnesses report hearing a “sharp crack” and seeing a projectile missing the paper target.
3. 10:47 PM – Johnson, who had stepped out to retrieve a blanket for a neighbor, is struck by a shotgun pellet.
4. 10:50 PM – Neighbors call 911; paramedics arrive within minutes.
5. 11:15 PM – Johnson is declared deceased at the scene.
6. December 14 2025 – Norman Police submit an incident report; Harris is placed under arrest on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter.
7. December 20 2025 – Grand jury returns an indictment for manslaughter, citing reckless conduct and failure to maintain a safe shooting environment.

Legal Charges & Proceedings

• Charge: One count of Manslaughter – Criminally Negligent Homicide under Oklahoma Statute 21 O.S. § 1136A.
• Potential penalties: Up to five years imprisonment, fines up to $10,000, and mandatory restitution to the victim’s family.
• Court dates: Initial arraignment scheduled for January 15 2026; pre‑trial hearing set for February 10 2026.

Prosecutor’s statement: “The defendant’s decision to conduct unsupervised target practice in a residential area, especially during a holiday gathering, demonstrates a blatant disregard for public safety.”

Community Reaction

• Neighborhood watch groups have filed a petition for stricter enforcement of local noise ordinances and firearm‑use regulations.
• Local clergy organized a memorial service, emphasizing the need for “responsible gun ownership during celebrations.”
• Social media hashtags #SafeChristmasShooting and #PreventableTragedy trended on Twitter, sparking statewide discussions on backyard shooting safety.

Oklahoma Gun Safety Laws – What Residents Should No

Area	Requirement	relevance to Case
Firearm Storage	Unloaded firearms must be stored in a locked container when not in use (OK Stat. 21 O.S. § 1277).	Harris kept the shotgun on a rack but not locked, violating storage standards.
Backyard Shooting	Local ordinances in Norman prohibit discharging firearms within 100 feet of a dwelling without a permit.	The target was set 15 feet from the house, breaching city code.
Safety Zones	Minimum safety distance for shotguns is 30 feet from any occupied structure (OK Dept. Public Safety).	the 15‑foot distance falls short of legal safety guidelines.
Supervision	Minors and non‑licensed participants must be supervised by a qualified adult.	One of the participants was a 16‑year‑old without direct supervision, further compounding negligence.

Practical Tips for Safe Backyard Target Practice

1. Establish a legal safety zone – Minimum 30 feet from any occupied building; use a certified berm or shooting net.
2. Use proper backstops – Commercially rated bullet‑proof materials or earth berms designed for the specific caliber.
3. Maintain clear sightlines – Ensure no by‑standers, pets, or obstacles are within the projectile path.
4. Implement a “no‑drink‑and‑shoot” rule – Alcohol impairs judgment and can turn a holiday gathering into a liability risk.
5. Secure firearms when not in use – Store guns in a locked cabinet; employ trigger locks for swift access but added safety.
6. Conduct a risk assessment – Evaluate weather, lighting, and neighbor proximity before each session.

Potential Civil Liability

• Wrongful death claim: Johnson’s family may pursue a civil suit for negligence, seeking compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and punitive damages.
• Insurance implications: homeowners’ policies often exclude coverage for intentional or reckless firearm use; Harris could face personal liability for damages.

Comparable Cases – Lessons Learned

• Georgia, 2022: A man was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after a backyard rifle accident killed a teenager. The court emphasized “reasonable foreseeability” of harm in residential settings.
• Texas, 2020: A homeowner faced a $500,000 civil judgment after a neighbor was struck during an unsupervised target drill. The case highlighted the importance of adhering to state‑mandated safety distances.

Resources for Victims & families

• Oklahoma Victim Assistance Program (OVAP): Provides counseling, financial aid, and legal guidance for families affected by violent crimes.
• National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) – Safe Shooting education: Offers free webinars on backyard safety and best practices for recreational shooters.
• Legal Aid of Oklahoma: Free or low‑cost legal depiction for wrongful‑death claims and related civil matters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I legally shoot a shotgun in my backyard during the holidays?

A: Only if you meet all local ordinances-maintain the required safety zone, obtain any necessary permits, and ensure no occupied structures are within the danger radius.

Q: What should I do if I witness an unsafe shooting activity?

A: Contact local law enforcement immediately; document the activity (date, time, description) for potential evidence.

Q: Does an accidental shooting count as “criminal negligence”?

A: Yes, when a shooter fails to exercise reasonable care, such as ignoring mandated safety distances, the act can be classified as criminally negligent homicide or manslaughter.

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All data reflects the latest available reports from the Norman Police Department, the Oklahoma State Attorney General’s Office, and reputable news outlets as of December 27 2025.