Professional Cornhole Player, Quadruple Amputee, Charged with Murder in Maryland Shooting
Dayton James Webber, a 27-year-old professional cornhole player and quadruple amputee, has been charged with first- and second-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Bradrick Michael Wells, 27, of Waldorf, Maryland. The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday night, April 7, during an argument inside a vehicle Webber was driving in La Plata, Maryland. Webber was later arrested in Virginia and is awaiting extradition to Maryland to face the charges.
Dayton James Webber, recognized as the first quadruple amputee to achieve professional status in the American Cornhole League, now faces serious murder charges.
Incident Overview
According to the Charles County Sheriff's Office, the incident took place on Sunday night in the area of Radio Station Road and Llano Drive in La Plata, Maryland. Webber was driving a vehicle with three passengers, including Wells, who was in the front passenger seat. During an argument, Webber allegedly shot Wells. Court documents reported by WTTG indicate Wells was allegedly shot twice in the head.
Following the shooting, Webber reportedly pulled over and asked the two other passengers, who were in the back seat, to assist in removing Wells from the vehicle. These witnesses declined, exited the vehicle, and subsequently contacted the La Plata Police Department shortly before 10:30 p.m. Sunday. Webber then departed the scene with Wells still inside the car. Investigators stated that Webber, Wells, and the other passengers were acquainted through work, and the passengers were known to each other. Authorities have not specified a motive for the alleged killing or provided details on how Webber allegedly fired the weapon while driving.
Discovery of Victim
Approximately two hours after the alleged shooting, a resident on Newport Church Road in Charlotte Hall, Maryland, reported finding a body in their yard. Officers identified the victim as Mr. Wells, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Charlotte Hall is located approximately 10 to 14 miles away from the reported shooting location in La Plata.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Detectives from the Charles County Sheriff's Office obtained an arrest warrant for Webber. His vehicle was subsequently located in Charlottesville, Virginia, approximately 150 miles from where Wells' body was recovered. Authorities located Webber at a nearby hospital in the Charlottesville area, where he was reportedly seeking treatment for a medical issue.
On Sunday night, Albemarle County police officers arrested Webber after his release from the hospital, charging him as a fugitive from justice. He was booked into the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail and is awaiting extradition back to Maryland. Upon extradition, Webber is expected to face charges including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, assault, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. A recent court hearing did not address extradition, with Webber's next scheduled court date set for April. The murder investigation remains ongoing.
Background of Dayton James Webber
Dayton James Webber is a 27-year-old professional cornhole player. He gained public recognition for his athletic achievements despite being a quadruple amputee. He reportedly lost his arms and legs at 10 months old due to a severe blood infection, described as a bacterial infection or Streptococcus pneumoniae leading to sepsis.
Webber pursued and excelled in various sports, including dirt biking, wrestling, and football. He also adapted methods for daily activities such as writing, fishing, and hunting. He wrote an essay for the Today show in the US in 2023, detailing his journey. Webber began playing cornhole recreationally before becoming a professional player in the American Cornhole League (ACL) during the 2021-2022 season. He is recognized as the first quadruple amputee to achieve professional status in the league, won the Maryland State Championship, and was recognized as the best cornhole player in Maryland in 2020. He competed in the ACL World Championships in 2021 and was featured by ESPN in 2023. Webber has also posted videos demonstrating firearm use on his YouTube channel.
American Cornhole League Statement
The American Cornhole League (ACL) released a statement acknowledging the allegations involving Dayton Webber. The league expressed thoughts for those impacted, including the family and loved ones of Bradrick Michael Wells. The ACL stated it would not comment on an active legal situation and confirmed that Webber has not been an active participant in the league since late 2024. The league indicated it respects the judicial process.