CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Dayton James Webber, a professional cornhole player and a quadruple amputee known for his inspirational story, will be extradited from a Virginia jail to Maryland to face serious charges. He is accused of fatally shooting Bradrick Michael Wells, a 27-year-old front-seat passenger, during an argument while driving a car in Charles County, Maryland. The incident occurred on Sunday night, drawing both media attention and public concern.
Webber, 27, waived his right to an extradition hearing during a video court appearance in Charlottesville, Virginia. He expressed his desire to return to Maryland, stating, “I am trying to go back to Maryland.” During the hearing, he wore a bright green jumpsuit and maintained a calm demeanor despite the gravity of the charges he faces. His attorney, Alexander Goodman, declined to comment on the case, and it remains uncertain when Webber will be transported back to Maryland.
According to police reports, Webber was arrested in Virginia's Albemarle County as a fugitive from justice following the shooting incident. The police charging documents reveal that he allegedly shot Wells twice in the head after a dispute, although the specifics of the argument have not been disclosed publicly. After the shooting, Webber reportedly pulled over in La Plata, Maryland, where he attempted to get two passengers in the backseat to help him remove Wells from the car. However, they refused, exited the vehicle, and flagged down the police.
Despite the presence of law enforcement officers, Webber fled the scene, leaving Wells’ body inside the vehicle. Approximately two hours later, a resident in Charlotte Hall discovered Wells’ body in a yard along a nearby road and alerted the authorities. Detectives managed to locate Webber’s vehicle in Charlottesville, Virginia, where they found him at a hospital seeking treatment for a medical issue. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office in Maryland has stated that Webber will face multiple charges, including first-degree murder.
Webber has gained significant public recognition as a professional cornhole player, with ESPN featuring him in 2023 in a story showcasing his resilience and athletic achievements. He has an inspiring backstory, having engaged in activities such as dirt biking, wrestling, and football before transitioning to cornhole. In the same year, he also penned an essay for the Today show, detailing how he adapted to become a professional competitor despite his amputations, explaining how he learned to maneuver the bean bag with his residual limbs.
The ongoing case will undoubtedly capture public interest as further details emerge in the coming weeks. Authorities in Charles County have confirmed the seriousness of the charges against Webber, marking a notable shift from his public persona as an athlete to being entangled in a criminal investigation.
This situation underscores the complexity of personal narratives, as a figure celebrated for his achievements now faces severe legal repercussions, bringing a tragic aspect to his otherwise remarkable story.
