Former cornhole champion and quadruple amputee Dayton Webber had to “kill or be killed” when he allegedly fatally shot his pal, his defense lawyer claimed Monday — as the accused gunman with no limbs was indicted on first-degree murder charges.
A Maryland grand jury handed down the murder indictment Friday, in addition to two counts of reckless endangerment and possession of a loaded handgun in a vehicle. Webber could face life behind bars if convicted.
“We’re dealing with a homicide,” said Charles County deputy state’s attorney Karen Piper Mitchell. “Somebody lost their life and from that base perspective, our job is to make sure we put the case together.”
The 27-year-old amputee was driving his Tesla when he allegedly shot and killed his friend Bradrick Wells, who was a passenger in the vehicle, during a heated argument in La Plata, about 40 miles south of Washington, DC.
Speaking outside the courthouse Monday, Webber’s lawyer, Hammad Martin, said the fatal shooting was an act of self-defense.
“He had to kill or be killed. That’s what this case is,” Matin said.
“I think the evidence is going to be clear that this was not planned, something that was not premeditated,” the attorney added. “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, said they saw no evidence that his life was in danger before the shooting. Witnesses in the car at the time said the two men were arguing when shots allegedly rang out.
Webber lost all four limbs after he was stricken with a life-threatening bacterial infection as an infant so severe that he was given last rites.
He went on to lead an active lifestyle, enjoying a range of sports from wrestling and football to shooting, bow hunting and motocross.
He became the first quadruple amputee in the history of the American Cornhole League, and went pro during the 2021-2022 season, according to the Baltimore Watchdog, eventually climbing the ranks to become the best player in Maryland.
A trial date has not yet been set.
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