Quadruple amputee cornhole champion indicted on first-degree murder charge in Maryland

LA PLATA, Md. — A Maryland grand jury has indicted Dayton Webber — a champion cornhole player and quadruple amputee — on a first-degree murder charge in connection with a fatal shooting last month, according to prosecutors.

Webber faces a possible life sentence if convicted. The indictment, handed down Friday, also includes multiple charges, including two counts of reckless endangerment and having a loaded handgun in a vehicle.

According to WUSA, authorities say Webber shot and killed a man identified as his friend, Bradrick Wells, inside a car following an argument on March 22. 

“We’re dealing with a homicide,” said Karen Piper Mitchell, Charles County deputy state’s attorney. “Someone lost their life and from that base perspective our job is to make sure we put the case together.”

Webber’s attorney, Hammad Matin, said the shooting was an act of self-defense. He was also present outside the courthouse Monday.

“He had to kill or be killed,” Matin said. “That’s what this case is.” 

Matin added that the evidence will show the killing was not planned.

“I think the evidence is going to be clear that this was not planned, something that was not premeditated,” the attorney said. “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.” 

Prosecutors, however, dispute that claim.

“Based on the investigation and witness statements, we see no evidence of self-defense, so we’re moving forward on the indictment,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell said investigators worked to preserve key evidence in the case, including items collected after Webber was treated at a hospital in Virginia.

“He was treated by the hospital so again anything that they had contact with… making sure that we have chain of custody,” she said.

Mitchell said the case ultimately centers on understanding what led to the fatal encounter.

No trial date has been set yet.