Dayton James Webber, a 27-year-old professional cornhole player and quadruple amputee, faces first- and second-degree murder charges after allegedly shooting and killing 27-year-old Bradrick Michael Wells in La Plata, Maryland.
The Shooting Incident
Authorities report that Webber shot Wells while driving his Tesla SUV. He allegedly fled the scene with Wells’ body in the vehicle before abandoning it in a yard in Charlotte Hall. Officers apprehended Webber at a hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia, and he awaits extradition to Charles County.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office indicates Webber acted alone. Video footage online shows him handling and firing a handgun, though details on how he executed the acts remain unclear given his physical condition.
Webber’s Extraordinary Life Story
Webber lost his arms and legs as a child due to a severe bacterial infection that led to sepsis. Doctors amputated his limbs above the elbows and at the thighs when he was 10 to save his life. His mother, Natalie, recalled, ‘They suggested he be baptized and given his last rites. That just didn’t enter my thoughts that I was going to lose him.’
Despite these challenges, Webber adapted remarkably. He taught himself to write, pick up objects, and drive go-karts. He even wrestled briefly as a pre-teen.
Rise to Professional Cornhole
Webber discovered cornhole at age eight during backyard gatherings. Using his upper arms to grip bean bags by the corner, he propels himself forward to throw. ‘At first, it took me a little while to get it there to the board consistently,’ he stated. ‘I was able to compensate the grip on the bag by just grabbing the corner of it with me propelling myself forward. It’s something I’ve been doing my whole life, is overcoming things that people didn’t think I can do.’
As a teenager, he competed nightly in Maryland tournaments. By 2023, he joined the American Cornhole League as its only player with a disability. An avid outdoorsman, Webber values the sport’s community. ‘This is the greatest community to get out there and socialize with,’ he said. ‘They are extremely welcoming. I’ve come across quite a few people at big events. People with one leg come out and play on their prosthesis or on crutches. People play from their wheelchairs. Whatever kind of disability you might have, you can learn to throw.’
League’s Response
The American Cornhole League issued a statement: ‘This is an extremely serious matter and our thoughts are with all those impacted, including the family and loved ones of Bradrick Michael Wells. At this time, this remains an active legal situation. We respect the judicial process and will not comment on specific allegations or details while proceedings are ongoing.’
