Quadruple amputee cornhole player was defending self when he fatally shot car passenger, lawyer says

Quadruple Amputee Cornhole Player Claimed Self-Defense in Fatal Shooting

Legal Proceedings and Charges

Dayton James Webber, a 27-year-old professional cornhole player, is accused of fatally shooting a passenger in his Tesla during a confrontation, but his attorney asserts he was defending himself. Webber appeared in Charles County District Court via videoconference on Wednesday for a bail review, where Judge Patrick Devine ordered him to stay in custody after he left Maryland following the March 22 incident. Webber, who was extradited from Virginia, faces first- and second-degree murder charges, along with assault and firearm offenses. He has not yet entered a plea and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 6.

Incident Details and Testimony

According to police documents, Webber allegedly shot Bradrick Michael Wells, 27, twice in the head during an argument. His defense attorney, Andrew Jezic, argued that Webber acted in self-defense and anticipated a “lengthy trial” to establish this. Jezic also mentioned his client was “terrified” after the event. “The truth here is that he would have been a murder victim if he had not acted immediately in defense of his life,” Jezic stated in a

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Background and Context

Webber, who lost his arms and legs at 10 months old to survive a severe blood infection, has become a symbol of resilience. He gained attention through an ESPN feature in 2023, highlighting his transition from sports like dirt biking and football to professional cornhole. In an essay for TODAY.com, Webber recounted learning to handle the bean bag by grasping its corners and throwing it with his amputated arms. A YouTube video from two years ago shows him loading and firing a handgun, underscoring his familiarity with firearms.

Karen Piper Mitchell, a deputy state’s attorney, claimed witnesses in the vehicle told authorities the argument centered on a stolen gun from a friend of Wells. Mitchell noted that Webber and Wells had a history of disputes, including a 2024 incident where Webber ordered Wells to leave his home. During that event, Webber allegedly fired a shot from a second-floor window, though his attorney contested this, saying he fired into the air.

Aftermath and Investigation

After the shooting, Webber pulled over in La Plata, Maryland, and asked two backseat passengers to assist in removing the victim, but they declined and called the police. Webber fled the scene with Wells still inside the car, according to the Charles County sheriff’s office. Two hours later, a Charlotte Hall resident discovered Wells’ body in a yard and alerted authorities. Detectives located Webber’s car in Charlottesville, Virginia, and found him at a hospital, where he was “seeking treatment for a medical issue,” as reported by the sheriff’s office. Authorities have not yet confirmed if the Tesla’s cameras captured the altercation or if self-driving features were active at the time.