Quadruple Amputee Charged with Murder, Claims Self-Defense

Dayton Webber indicted on first-degree murder charge in shooting death of his friend

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:30pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a handgun trigger against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the violent act at the center of this tragic self-defense case.A stark, gritty close-up of a firearm trigger underscores the violent tragedy at the heart of this complex self-defense case.Charlotte Hall Today

A Maryland professional cornhole player who lost all four limbs in infancy is now facing a possible life sentence in a homicide case that has drawn national attention. Dayton James Webber, 27, was indicted on charges including first-degree murder and use of a firearm in a violent felony in the March 22 shooting death of 27-year-old Bradrick Wells. Webber's legal team argues he had to 'kill or be killed' after Wells threatened to shoot him, but prosecutors say they have seen 'no evidence of self-defense'.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding self-defense claims, especially when the defendant has significant physical disabilities. It also raises questions about access to firearms and mental health support for individuals with disabilities.

The details

Prosecutors say Wells was shot in front of two witnesses during an argument inside Webber's vehicle, before his body was left in a yard in Charlotte Hall. Webber was located hours later at a Virginia hospital and arrested; he remains held without bond. Webber's legal team acknowledges he fired the gun but argues 'he had to kill or be killed' after Wells threatened to shoot him. Prosecutors counter they have seen 'no evidence of self-defense', while Wells' mother disputes the defense's argument, saying her son 'did everything he could to help him [Webber]', who responded with 'evilness'.

  • The shooting occurred on March 22, 2026.
  • Webber was indicted by a Charles County grand jury on April 14, 2026.

The players

Dayton James Webber

A 27-year-old Maryland professional cornhole player who lost all four limbs in infancy and is now facing a possible life sentence for the shooting death of his friend.

Bradrick Wells

A 27-year-old man who was shot and killed by Webber during an argument inside Webber's vehicle.

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What they’re saying

“'he had to kill or be killed' after Wells threatened to shoot him”

— Dayton James Webber, Defendant

“We have seen no evidence of self-defense”

— Prosecutor

“did everything he could to help him [Webber], who responded with 'evilness'”

— Bradrick Wells' mother

What’s next

The case will move to Charles County Circuit Court, where a trial date has yet to be set. Prosecutors may present Webber's own videos of himself shooting firearms to show he could handle a gun despite his disabilities.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding self-defense claims, especially when the defendant has significant physical disabilities. It raises important questions about access to firearms, mental health support, and the need for greater understanding and accommodation for individuals with disabilities within the criminal justice system.