It was a story that had once inspired many: Dayton James Webber, a quadruple amputee who defied the odds to become a professional cornhole player, featured on national television and celebrated for his determination. Now, his name is making headlines for a tragic and shocking reason, as he faces charges of first-degree and second-degree murder in the death of Bradrick Michael Wells in Charles County, Maryland.
According to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, the events unfolded late on Sunday, March 22, 2026, near La Plata Road and Radio Station Road in La Plata. Webber, 27, of La Plata, was driving a white 2022 Tesla with three passengers: Wells, 27, of Waldorf, in the front seat, and two others in the back. Investigators told 7News that all four individuals were friends, and the group’s dynamic changed in an instant during what authorities described as a heated argument between Webber and Wells.
"I know it escalated rather quickly, but we don't know what the argument was about, and that's something, hopefully, we learn," said Diane Richardson, spokesperson for the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, as reported by 7News. The precise nature of the dispute remains unknown, but its consequences were immediate and irreversible.
Witnesses in the backseat later told police that, as the argument intensified, Webber pulled out a firearm and shot Wells twice in the head. The vehicle was then brought to a stop near Radio Station Road and Llano Drive. Webber reportedly asked the two backseat passengers to help remove Wells from the car. They refused, got out of the vehicle, and quickly left the scene. According to charging documents cited by Fox News, the witnesses flagged down a passing police officer, providing crucial information that would soon lead to Webber’s apprehension.
Meanwhile, Webber drove away from the scene with Wells still in the car. For nearly two hours, authorities searched for both the suspect and the victim. At approximately 12:41 a.m. on March 23, a resident in the 10000 block of Newport Church Road in Charlotte Hall called 911 to report a body lying in a yard. Officers arrived and confirmed the deceased was Bradrick Michael Wells, matching the description from the earlier shooting incident just under ten miles away in La Plata. Wells was pronounced dead at the scene.
The ensuing investigation moved quickly. Charles County Sheriff’s Office detectives obtained a warrant for Webber’s arrest and began working with law enforcement agencies across state lines. Through a combination of witness statements, cell phone tracking, and surveillance, authorities traced Webber’s movements from Maryland into Virginia. His vehicle, which had a broken passenger window, was found in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Webber himself was located at a nearby hospital, reportedly seeking treatment for a medical issue. Upon his release, he was arrested by officers with the Albemarle County Police Department and charged as a fugitive from justice. He is now awaiting extradition back to Charles County, where he will face charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, as detailed in the charging documents reviewed by Fox News.
Both backseat witnesses have positively identified Webber as the shooter and Wells as the victim, according to statements filed by Detective M. Bigelow of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. The case, which remains under active investigation as of March 24, 2026, has left the local community and the national cornhole scene in disbelief.
Webber’s notoriety as a quadruple amputee athlete had long made him a source of inspiration. As reported by 7News, Webber lost his arms and legs as a baby due to a bacterial infection but went on to become a competitive cornhole player, even appearing on ESPN as part of the American Cornhole League (ACL). Videos posted to his YouTube channel and other social media platforms showed him not only playing cornhole, but also demonstrating his shooting abilities with rifles and handguns. Richardson addressed public curiosity about the mechanics of the alleged crime, stating, "What I would say to answer any questions about how he did this, I would simply refer people to the internet. They can go to his YouTube page. Mr. Webber is a well-documented individual. There’s been many stories written about him and plenty of videos to see."
The American Cornhole League, which had previously celebrated Webber’s achievements, confirmed to 7News that he had not been an active participant since late 2024. In a statement, the ACL said, "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."
The shockwaves from the incident have resonated throughout the community. Christopher Nevitt, a local resident who had played cornhole with Webber at a nearby restaurant, told 7News, "I played with him a couple of times at the Greene Turtle. They used to have tournaments there. Obviously, people start shooting texts back-and-forth, like, ‘Hey, did you see this?’ You're like, ‘I just saw that guy not too long ago.’" Nevitt added, "To go from that type of stuff with what he's been dealt in life to this is very much a shock. He definitely made a bad decision. Let the courts do their thing and prove it that way, but if he did it he needs to pay the consequences of his actions."
Authorities have emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the community. As the investigation continues, law enforcement encourages anyone with additional information to contact Det. R. Johnson at 301-609-6453 or to leave anonymous tips with Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or through the P3Intel mobile app.
For now, the community of La Plata and those who followed Webber’s story are left grappling with the stark contrast between his once-inspirational public persona and the grave allegations he now faces. The legal process will determine his fate, but the questions raised by this tragedy will linger far beyond the courtroom.