By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Cody Wayne Adams has been charged with first-degree manslaughter in Oklahoma after allegedly shooting Sandra Phelps while target practicing in his backyard on Christmas Day. Phelps was with family when she was struck by a bullet, succumbing to the injury on the scene. Authorities determined that the bullet’s trajectory aligned with Adams’ backyard shooting range, where he was firing a newly purchased Glock 45. Adams was arrested and released on bond; his legal representation is currently unclear.
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The story of the Oklahoma man charged with fatally shooting his neighbor while target practicing in his backyard is a tragedy, a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of negligence and the crucial importance of gun safety. It’s truly heartbreaking to hear about a woman, reportedly a cancer survivor, losing her life in such a senseless manner, especially on Christmas Day, with a child present. The fact that the shot wasn’t even intended for her, highlighting the randomness and fragility of life, is chilling.
The details are jarring. The victim reportedly commented on someone receiving a new gun for Christmas, followed by the heartbreaking utterance of “ouch” and then collapse. This highlights a fundamental lack of understanding on the part of the shooter. The affidavit indicates that no further shots were fired after the fatal one, which is at least a small consolation. The shooter, in this instance, failed to grasp the simple concept that bullets travel and have the potential to inflict serious harm, even at a distance. It’s a fundamental failure of judgment.
It’s easy to be frustrated by this situation, and the frustration stems from the preventable nature of this tragedy. There are rules, simple rules, that are taught in every firearm safety course. Treat every gun as if it’s loaded, never point a gun at something you don’t intend to shoot, and be absolutely certain of your target and what lies beyond. These are not complex concepts. Yet, in this case, the shooter failed spectacularly. He didn’t seem to grasp that bullets don’t magically stop when they hit something. This man seemingly wasn’t able to grasp the simple physics of his actions, and now a woman is dead.
The lack of a proper backstop is a critical factor in this case. A backstop is a barrier designed to stop bullets and prevent them from traveling beyond a designated area. The fact that the shooter lacked one, or that his backyard was not properly equipped, is further evidence of his negligence and demonstrates a complete disregard for the safety of those around him. This is an indictment of the individual, but also a reflection on the lax attitude towards gun safety in some areas.
This incident also brings into focus the ease with which people can acquire firearms, and the absence of any real checks to ensure that they are competent and responsible enough to handle them. The suggestion that mandatory firearms training should be required before purchasing a gun is a fair point. If such training had been in place, it might have prevented this tragedy. It’s not just about the act of pulling the trigger; it’s about the knowledge, the respect, and the responsibility that come with owning a firearm.
There’s also a discussion of whether or not the victim’s death will lead to meaningful change. Living in a society where target practice happens in residential areas is a concerning trend. It raises the uncomfortable question of whether the right to own guns should supersede the right to live safely, especially when the actions of one individual can impact others in such a devastating manner.
This is a stark reminder of the importance of gun safety. It’s a conversation that needs to continue, not just about the legality of gun ownership, but about the responsibility that comes with it. This tragedy underscores the need for clear regulations, stringent safety training, and a culture of responsibility to prevent such incidents from happening again.