Quadruple Amputee Cornhole Pro Indicted on Murder Charges

Lawyer claims self-defense in fatal shooting of friend: 'Kill or be killed'

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:23pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing against a pitch-black background, the metallic surface reflecting the harsh, direct lighting to create a gritty, investigative aesthetic.A single spent bullet casing becomes a stark symbol of the tragic violence that unfolded between two friends.Washington Today

Dayton Webber, a former cornhole champion and quadruple amputee, has been indicted on first-degree murder charges for the alleged shooting death of his friend Bradrick Wells. Webber's lawyer claims the shooting was an act of self-defense, stating 'He had to kill or be killed.' However, prosecutors say they saw no evidence Webber's life was in danger before the shooting.

Why it matters

This case raises complex issues around self-defense laws, the rights of disabled individuals, and the role of mental health in violent incidents. It also highlights the challenges faced by those with severe disabilities who pursue active lifestyles and competitive sports.

The details

Webber, 27, was driving his Tesla with Wells as a passenger when the two men got into a heated argument. Witnesses say shots were fired, resulting in Wells' death. Webber, a quadruple amputee, lost all four limbs as an infant due to a life-threatening bacterial infection. Despite his disabilities, he went on to become a professional cornhole player and was known for his active lifestyle, enjoying sports like wrestling, football, shooting, and motocross.

  • On April 13, 2026, a Maryland grand jury indicted Webber on first-degree murder charges, as well as two counts of reckless endangerment and possession of a loaded handgun in a vehicle.
  • The fatal shooting incident occurred in La Plata, Maryland, about 40 miles south of Washington, D.C.

The players

Dayton Webber

A 27-year-old former cornhole champion and quadruple amputee who has been indicted on first-degree murder charges for the alleged shooting death of his friend.

Bradrick Wells

Webber's friend who was killed in the shooting incident while a passenger in Webber's Tesla.

Hammad Martin

Webber's defense lawyer, who claims the shooting was an act of self-defense, stating 'He had to kill or be killed.'

Karen Piper Mitchell

The Charles County deputy state's attorney, who said 'Somebody lost their life and from that base perspective, our job is to make sure we put the case together.'

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What they’re saying

“He had to kill or be killed. That's what this case is.”

— Hammad Martin, Webber's defense lawyer

“I think the evidence is going to be clear that this was not planned, something that was not premeditated. This was someone in fear who did not know how to handle a situation that was such a traumatic event. This has always been a self-defense case. He is not guilty.”

— Hammad Martin, Webber's defense lawyer

“We're dealing with a homicide. Somebody lost their life and from that base perspective, our job is to make sure we put the case together.”

— Karen Piper Mitchell, Charles County deputy state's attorney

What’s next

A trial date has not yet been set for Webber's case.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the complex issues surrounding self-defense laws, the rights and challenges faced by those with severe disabilities, and the need for greater understanding and support for individuals dealing with mental health crises. It raises important questions about how the justice system should approach such cases.