A 27-year-old American athlete who gained recognition for competing as a quadruple amputee has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly shooting a passenger in a moving vehicle, according to multiple reports.
The accused, identified as Dayton Webber, was taken into custody following an incident that took place over the weekend in La Plata, a city in Maryland, United States. Authorities say Webber opened fire on 27-year-old Bradrick Wells during an argument while driving, resulting in Wells’ death. BBC reported.
Investigators say the situation escalated inside the vehicle, which was carrying multiple people at the time of the shooting. Two individuals seated in the back later contacted police to report the incident and provided crucial details that led to the arrest of the suspect.
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According to officials, Webber allegedly asked passengers to help remove the victim’s body from the vehicle after the shooting. However, they refused and fled the scene, eventually alerting the law enforcement officer.
About two hours after the incident, police received a separate call from a resident of Charlotte Hall, located about 20 miles away, reporting the presence of a body in their yard. Responding officers found Wells at the scene, where he was pronounced dead.
According to authorities, Webber fled the area after the incident, but was apprehended hours later across the state line in Charlottesville, Virginia. He now faces multiple charges, including first degree murder.
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The case attracted widespread attention in the United States due to Webber’s background as a professional athlete and motivational figure. He was notably the first quadruple amputee to compete in the American Cornhole League – a competitive sport involving throwing beanbags into a raised platform with a hole.
In past public statements and writings, Webber has spoken about overcoming significant medical challenges at an early age. In a 2023 essay, he revealed that he had both hands and feet amputated as an infant due to a severe blood infection, with doctors initially giving him little chance of survival.
His journey from surviving a life-threatening illness to becoming a professional athlete has been widely shared as a story of resilience and determination.
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But investigators are now looking into another dimension of his public persona. Reports indicate that Webber’s social media accounts contained several videos of him handling firearms, including clips showing shooting activity despite his physical condition.
The American Cornhole League, where Webber competed, released a statement offering condolences to the victim’s family. “Our thoughts are with all those affected, including the family and loved ones of Bradrick Michael Wells,” the organization said.
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Authorities have not yet released the exact circumstances that led to the altercation inside the vehicle or the motive for the alleged shooting. The investigation is still ongoing.
The case has sparked conversations about the stark contrast between Webber’s inspirational public image and the serious criminal charges he now faces.
