Maryland authorities have charged a professional cornhole player with murder following a fatal weekend shooting in Charles County that has drawn national attention due to the suspect's unique background. Dayton James Webber, 27, of La Plata, faces first- and second-degree murder charges after allegedly shooting Bradrick Michael Wells, also 27, during an argument while driving.
The incident unfolded Sunday night when two witnesses flagged down La Plata police officers near La Plata Road and Radio Station Road. According to the Charles County Sheriff's Office, the witnesses reported they were in the backseat of a vehicle when Webber, the driver, shot Wells, who was in the front passenger seat, during a dispute.
Following the shooting, Webber allegedly pulled over near Radio Station Road and Llano Drive and asked the witnesses to help remove Wells from the vehicle. The pair refused, exited the car, and left the scene. Webber then fled with Wells still in the vehicle, prompting an extensive search by sheriff's deputies.
Approximately two hours later, authorities received a 911 call from a resident on Newport Church Road in Charlotte Hall reporting a body in a yard. Responding officers found Wells deceased at the scene. The investigation quickly led detectives to obtain an arrest warrant for Webber.
Cross-State Pursuit and Arrest
Investigators located Webber's vehicle in Charlottesville, Virginia, and found the suspect at a local hospital where he was receiving treatment for an unspecified medical condition. Southern Maryland News Net reported the vehicle was a white Tesla and shared a 2024 video purportedly showing Webber handling and reloading a pistol.
Once released from medical care, Webber was arrested by Albemarle County Police Department officers as a fugitive from justice. He now awaits extradition to Charles County to face formal charges. The case highlights how local violent incidents can quickly escalate into multi-jurisdictional law enforcement operations, similar to recent shootings that have required coordinated police responses across state lines.
Notable Background of the Accused
Webber's case has attracted particular attention due to his unusual profile as a quadruple amputee who built a professional sports career. Major outlets including ESPN have covered his story—he lost most of his arms and legs to a life-threatening bacterial infection at just 10 months old. Despite his physical challenges, Webber told the "TODAY" show he learned to perform numerous activities including driving, hunting, fishing, writing, and operating heavy machinery.
His background as a professional athlete in the growing sport of cornhole adds another dimension to the case. The incident occurs amid broader national discussions about violence and public safety, even as the administration focuses on de-escalating international conflicts that dominate security headlines.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the fatal confrontation. The case raises questions about accessibility to firearms and the challenges of preventing violence even among individuals who have overcome significant physical obstacles to achieve professional success.
The extradition process and subsequent legal proceedings will determine Webber's fate as he faces the most serious charges in Maryland's criminal justice system. The incident serves as a stark reminder that violent crime continues to challenge communities nationwide, even as federal resources are stretched by ongoing military engagements abroad and domestic security concerns.
