In a shocking turn of events, Dayton James Webber, a 27-year-old professional cornhole player and quadruple amputee, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of another man in southern Maryland. Authorities with the Charles County Sheriff's Office announced the charges on Monday, following the discovery of Bradrick Michael Wells, also 27, from Waldorf, dead in a yard in Charlotte Hall late Sunday night.
The incident unfolded around 10:25 p.m. on Sunday near the intersection of La Plata Road and Radio Station Road in La Plata, Maryland. According to the sheriff's office, two witnesses flagged down police to report a deadly shooting they had just witnessed. The witnesses, who were seated in the back of a vehicle driven by Webber, described how an argument escalated inside the car, leading Webber to allegedly shoot the front-seat passenger, identified as Wells, according to investigators.
'The witnesses refused to help Webber pull the victim out of the car, and they left the scene while Webber then fled with the victim still in the car,' the Charles County Sheriff's Office stated in a release detailing the sequence of events. Approximately two hours later, a resident in Charlotte Hall, about 15 miles southeast of La Plata, reported finding a body in a yard. Deputies arrived and confirmed the victim was Wells, who had been shot and left there after Webber reportedly dumped him from the vehicle.
Investigators moved quickly to identify Webber as the suspect. After obtaining an arrest warrant for first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and related charges, authorities tracked Webber's car to Charlottesville, Virginia. He was located at a nearby hospital seeking treatment for a medical issue, though specifics about his condition were not disclosed. Virginia police arrested him as a fugitive from justice, and he is now awaiting extradition back to Maryland.
As of Monday evening, no attorney was listed for Webber in Maryland court records, according to the sheriff's office. The investigation remains active, with detectives urging anyone with additional information to come forward. 'Anyone with additional details about the case is asked to call Detective R. Johnson at 301-609-6453,' the office said. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to the Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.
Webber's background adds a layer of complexity to the story. Known in the world of competitive cornhole, he has been a professional player in the American Cornhole League (ACL). In 2021, Webber competed in the ACL World Championships, showcasing his skills despite his physical challenges. A 2023 ESPN profile highlighted his journey, noting that he became a quadruple amputee at just 10 months old after contracting a bacterial infection that led to sepsis. His family shared in the feature how he adapted to the sport, using custom prosthetics and sheer determination to throw bags with precision.
The cornhole community was stunned by the news. The American Cornhole League issued a statement on social media Monday afternoon, expressing awareness of the allegations.
We are aware of the reports regarding allegations involving Dayton Webber. This is an extremely serious matter and our thoughts are with all those impacted, including the family and loved ones of Bradrick Michael Wells.The league continued, emphasizing respect for the legal process:
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. We will provide updates if and when it is appropriate to do so, but in the meantime the league will have no further comment.
According to the ACL, Webber has not been an active participant in league events since late 2024, though he remained a notable figure from prior competitions. CBS News Baltimore reported that the league confirmed this status when reached for comment, underscoring that Webber's involvement had tapered off in recent months.
The shooting appears to have stemmed from a personal dispute inside the vehicle, though motives remain under investigation. Witnesses' accounts, as relayed by police, paint a chaotic scene: the argument between Webber and Wells turned violent in an instant, with the back-seat passengers fleeing on foot after refusing to assist in disposing of the body. Charlotte Hall, a quiet residential area in St. Mary's County, is not typically associated with such violence, making the discovery of Wells' body all the more jarring for locals.
Charles County, located about 30 miles south of Washington, D.C., has seen its share of crime, but this case stands out due to the suspect's public profile. Webber's story of resilience in cornhole had inspired many, from amateur players to fans of the growing sport. Cornhole, once a backyard pastime, has exploded in popularity, with professional leagues drawing crowds and media attention. Webber's participation in high-stakes tournaments positioned him as a symbol of overcoming adversity, a narrative now overshadowed by these grave accusations.
Family members of Wells have not yet released public statements, but the sheriff's office extended condolences in their initial report. 'Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Bradrick Michael Wells during this difficult time,' officials said, without elaborating further on the victim's background. Wells, a Waldorf resident, was described only as a 27-year-old local man in official releases.
As extradition proceedings begin, questions linger about how Webber, with his mobility challenges, managed to flee the scene and travel to Virginia. Hospital records from Charlottesville were not immediately available, but sources close to the investigation indicated that his medical visit was unrelated to injuries from the shooting. The distance between La Plata and Charlottesville spans roughly 150 miles, suggesting Webber drove the route in the hours following the incident.
The case highlights the unpredictable nature of violent crime, even among those with extraordinary personal stories. While Webber's achievements in cornhole were celebrated, this alleged act has thrust him into a far different spotlight. Legal experts note that first-degree murder charges in Maryland carry severe penalties, potentially including life imprisonment without parole if convicted.
Broader implications for the cornhole league could emerge as the story develops. The ACL's measured response reflects a desire to avoid prejudging the situation, but the association with a high-profile suspect may prompt internal reviews of player conduct policies. For now, the focus remains on the judicial process, with a court date pending Webber's return to Maryland.
Residents in Charles County are left grappling with the aftermath, as detectives continue piecing together timelines and motives. The swift arrest provides some solace, but the loss of Wells serves as a stark reminder of how quickly arguments can turn deadly. As the community awaits more details, the sheriff's office encourages vigilance and cooperation in solving this tragic puzzle.