Full Breakdown
Legal Battle Over Self-Defense Claims in Fatal Shooting of Bradrick Wells
4/3/2026, 2:03:54 AM
Incident Overview: Shooting of Bradrick Wells
On March 22, 2026, Dayton James Webber, a 27-year-old quadruple amputee and professional cornhole player, fatally shot 27-year-old Bradrick Michael Wells during a heated argument inside Webber's Tesla in La Plata, Maryland. Webber has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and related offenses. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a gun that a friend of Wells allegedly stole from Webber, leading to escalating tensions between the two men.
Legal Proceedings and Claims of Self-Defense
During a bail hearing on April 1, 2026, Webber's attorney, Andrew Jezic, argued that his client acted in self-defense, claiming that Webber was "terrified" and believed he would be killed if he did not shoot Wells. Jezic stated, “The truth here is that he would have been a murder victim if he had not acted immediately in defense of his life.” The judge denied Webber bail, citing concerns over his potential danger to the community and the risk of flight, as he had fled to Virginia after the shooting.
Webber has not yet entered a plea, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2026. Prosecutors, led by Deputy State’s Attorney Karen Piper Mitchell, contend that Webber shot Wells in anger during the argument, emphasizing a history of disputes between the two men, including a previous incident where Webber fired a shot from his home.
Witness Accounts and Aftermath
Two passengers in the backseat during the shooting witnessed the incident and reported that Webber shot Wells twice in the head. After the shooting, Webber allegedly asked these witnesses for help in removing Wells' body from the vehicle, but they refused and reported the incident to police. Wells' body was discovered approximately two hours later in a yard in Charlotte Hall, Maryland.
Webber was later located at a hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he was seeking treatment for a medical issue. Investigators tracked his vehicle and arrested him shortly thereafter.
Background of the Individuals Involved
Dayton Webber became a quadruple amputee at 10 months old due to a severe bacterial infection. He has since become a notable figure in the professional cornhole community, even being featured by ESPN for his achievements. His story of overcoming adversity has garnered significant public interest.
Conversely, Bradrick Wells was described by his family as a passionate motocross enthusiast who had recently welcomed a baby girl. His family is now working to establish a nonprofit organization in his memory, focusing on gun violence awareness and mental health support.
Criticism and Opposition
While Webber's defense claims self-defense, critics, including Wells' family, dispute this narrative. Hannah Bentley, the mother of Wells' child, asserts that Wells would not have harmed anyone unless absolutely necessary. This divergence in perspectives highlights the complexities surrounding the case and the broader implications of self-defense claims, particularly involving individuals with disabilities.
What's Next
The upcoming preliminary hearing on May 6 will be crucial in determining the next steps in this case. As both sides prepare for a potentially lengthy trial, the legal arguments surrounding self-defense and the circumstances of the shooting will be closely scrutinized.
