A 27-year-old professional cornhole player, Dayton Webber, has been charged with multiple counts of murder following a fatal shooting incident in La Plata, Maryland. The charges include first-degree murder and second-degree murder, related to the death of Bradrick Michael Wells, also 27, who lost his life on March 22.
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Webber, a quadruple amputee, appeared virtually during a bail hearing this past Wednesday, where his defence attorney, Andrew Jezic, contended that his client acted in self-defence during a road-rage incident. Jezic insisted that Webber believed he was in imminent danger and that he needed to protect himself from being harmed.
Despite these claims, a judge determined that Webber should be held without the possibility of bail. His next preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 6, where the proceedings will continue to unfold.
The authorities from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office have issued statements alleging that Webber discharged his weapon during a confrontation that arose while he was driving. Witness accounts, specifically those from two backseat passengers, suggest that the dispute began over a firearm that Webber claimed had been stolen by a friend of Wells. Prosecutor Karen Piper Mitchell highlighted that tensions were not new between the two men, pointing to a prior confrontation in 2024, where Webber reportedly discharged a firearm in an argument with Wells, although no injuries occurred at that time.
Following the confrontation, the two passengers have reported that Webber requested their assistance in removing Wells from the vehicle, but they declined and subsequently left the scene. After the incident, Wells’s body was discovered in a nearby yard approximately two hours later, raising additional questions regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
Webber was later tracked down and apprehended at a hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed medical condition, the specifics of which have not been connected to the shooting incident.
Webber’s situation is made more complex by his unique background. He lost all four limbs at a very young age due to a severe infection but has since achieved recognition as a professional cornhole player. In a previous article for the Today show, he shared his journey of adapting to life with a disability. He expressed that mastering skills such as driving has been a significant part of his life and his determination to succeed in sports.
In connection with this tragic case, the family of Bradrick Michael Wells is now advocating for change in memory of their loved one. They recently launched a nonprofit organisation to focus on raising awareness about the impacts of gun violence. The new initiative aims not only to help families dealing with trauma but also to bring attention to mental health issues within the community.
Family members have described Wells as a devoted father to a newborn daughter and a person with a passion for motocross and automobiles, whose positive spirit was a beacon for those around him. They are determined to ensure that his life and story contribute to meaningful dialogue surrounding gun violence and trauma recovery.
“Brad’s life mattered, and his story deserves to make a lasting impact,” the family remarked in a fundraising campaign aimed at supporting the new nonprofit’s objectives.
As the case against Webber progresses, many in the community are left to grapple with the complex interplay of personal circumstances, tragic loss, and the ongoing issues surrounding gun violence. The upcoming hearings are expected to shed further light on this highly unique and troubling situation, as both families find themselves at the centre of grief and legal battles.