A 27-year-old quadruple amputee who rose from a life-threatening childhood infection to become a professional cornhole champion and an ESPN-profiled inspiration is now facing first- and second-degree murder charges in the fatal shooting of a man during an argument in his vehicle Sunday night.

Dayton James Webber
Dayton James Webber

Dayton James Webber, of La Plata in Charles County, was arrested Monday morning in Charlottesville, Va., after allegedly shooting 27-year-old Bradrick Michael Wells, who was riding in the front passenger seat, authorities said. Webber then drove away with the victim still inside the car before the body was later found in a yard in nearby Charlotte Hall, according to the Charles County Sheriff's Office.

Witnesses in the backseat told police they saw Webber shoot Wells during a dispute while the vehicle was in the area of La Plata Road and Radio Station Road around 10 p.m. Sunday. After the shooting, Webber stopped and asked the backseat passengers — who knew the victim — to help remove Wells from the car. They refused, fled on foot and flagged down officers, the sheriff's office said in a news release.

Nearly two hours later, a resident in Charlotte Hall called police to report a body in a yard. Officers identified the victim as Wells and pronounced him dead at the scene. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Webber and located his vehicle in Charlottesville, where he had gone to a hospital seeking treatment for a medical issue, authorities said. He was arrested upon release from the hospital and charged as a fugitive from justice.

Webber faces charges including first-degree murder, second-degree murder and additional related offenses. He is awaiting extradition to Charles County, where he will make his initial court appearance. Bond information was not immediately available.

The case has drawn widespread attention because of Webber's remarkable personal story. As an infant just 10 months old, he contracted a severe bacterial infection that led to the amputation of all four limbs. Doctors gave him little chance of survival, yet he defied the odds, learning to adapt with prosthetic limbs and a fierce determination that later propelled him into competitive sports.

Webber became the first quadruple amputee to compete in the professional American Cornhole League. He was crowned the top cornhole player in Maryland in 2020 and competed in the league's World Championships the following year. In 2023, ESPN featured his journey in an uplifting profile that highlighted his ability to throw bags with precision using adapted techniques despite his disabilities. He also wrote a personal essay for TODAY.com detailing his life and passion for the game.

The American Cornhole League issued a brief statement Monday acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations. "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 said. It did not comment further on Webber's status with the organization.

Friends and acquaintances who knew Webber through the cornhole community expressed shock Tuesday. Many described him as a positive presence who motivated others facing challenges. One local player told reporters that Webber's story had inspired countless people to pursue their own goals regardless of physical limitations.

Details of the argument that led to the shooting remained unclear as of Tuesday afternoon. Investigators have not released information about a possible motive, any prior relationship between Webber and Wells, or whether a firearm was recovered. The Charles County Sheriff's Office said the investigation remains active and additional charges could be filed.

The incident unfolded in a rural stretch of Charles County, about 40 miles south of Washington, D.C. La Plata is a small town known more for its quiet Southern Maryland character than for violent crime. The sheriff's office described the case as isolated but emphasized its commitment to a thorough probe.

Webber's legal team has not yet issued a public statement. Court records show he was processed in Virginia before extradition proceedings began. If returned to Maryland, he could face a potential life sentence if convicted of first-degree murder.

The case has sparked online discussion about how disability intersects with criminal allegations. Some social media users expressed disbelief that someone without arms could fire a handgun, prompting law enforcement to clarify that Webber has adapted prosthetics and has demonstrated fine motor skills in competitive cornhole. Officials have not detailed how the shooting allegedly occurred.

Wells' family has not publicly commented. A brief obituary or memorial information had not been released by Tuesday evening.

Webber's athletic achievements stood in stark contrast to the charges. Cornhole, a backyard game involving tossing beanbags at a slanted board, became a professional sport with televised tournaments and prize money. Webber's participation broke barriers and brought visibility to adaptive sports. He often spoke about using cornhole as both therapy and competition, mastering techniques that allowed him to compete at the highest levels.

His story resonated far beyond the cornhole community. Schools and motivational speakers had invited him to share his message of resilience. The sudden shift from inspiration to accused killer left many who followed his journey struggling to reconcile the two narratives.

As of Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Webber remained in custody in Virginia pending extradition. Charles County authorities expected the process to move quickly given the severity of the charges.

The case underscores the unpredictable nature of criminal investigations, where public personas can collide with private disputes. Investigators continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence, including any vehicle recordings or surveillance footage from the area.

For the cornhole world, the allegations have cast a shadow over a sport that prides itself on camaraderie. Tournaments scheduled in coming weeks may include moments of silence or statements addressing the incident.

Legal experts note that first-degree murder requires proof of premeditation and malice, while second-degree involves intent without premeditation. Prosecutors will likely present witness testimony from the backseat passengers as central to their case.

As details emerge in the coming days, the focus will remain on the facts of the shooting and the judicial process. Webber's remarkable life story, once celebrated for overcoming profound adversity, now forms a complex backdrop to serious criminal allegations that could define the next chapter of his life.

Authorities urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Charles County Sheriff's Office. The investigation continues as the community processes the contrast between a local sports hero and the gravity of the charges he now faces.