LA PLATA, Md. — A professional cornhole player, Dayton James Webber, a quadruple amputee, claims he acted in self-defense during a deadly altercation with a passenger in his vehicle. According to his attorney, the incident occurred following an intense argument concerning a firearm allegedly stolen by a friend of the victim, Bradrick Michael Wells.
During a bail review in Charles County District Court, which Webber attended via videoconference, the judge ruled he must remain in custody without bail pending further legal proceedings. Webber is charged with multiple counts of murder as well as firearm offenses.
Defense attorney Andrew Jezic emphasized Webber's fear for his life and stated that he anticipates a lengthy trial as he seeks to establish the validity of the self-defense claim. Webber reportedly fled the scene in Virginia following the shooting, which made the authorities concerned about his potential flight risk.
The unsettling details reveal that Webber allegedly shot Wells twice in the head during their dispute. After the shooting, he reportedly pulled over and asked two passengers in the backseat for assistance with the victim, but they declined and instead alerted law enforcement.
Witness descriptions indicate that the argument escalated after it was suggested that Wells continued to associate with someone who had taken a firearm from Webber. The prosecution highlighted this as a significant detail while arguing against Webber's release on bail.
After the shooting in La Plata, a nearby resident discovered Wells’ body hours later, prompting detectives to trace Webber's vehicle to a hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he was receiving treatment for unspecified medical issues.
Webber, once celebrated for overcoming physical challenges, was featured by ESPN in a 2023 inspirational story and has participated in professional cornhole tournaments. He gained attention after sharing his journey in an essay detailing how he became a skilled competitor despite his disabilities.
