The question seemed impossible, a hypothetical puzzle for a quiet evening: how do you fingerprint someone who has no hands? This week, that abstract thought became a chilling reality with the arrest of Dayton James Webber, a professional cornhole player, charged with murder.
Webber, a quadruple amputee, was taken into custody Sunday in connection with the shooting death of Bradrick Michael Wells. Authorities faced an unprecedented challenge in processing him for jail – traditional fingerprinting was, of course, impossible.
Instead of dismissing the attempt, officials took an impression at the ends of Webber’s arms. Department policy dictates that in cases of amputation, impressions are taken wherever the limb ends, resulting in a print from his forearms.
The circumstances surrounding the murder are stark. Webber and Wells were reportedly arguing inside Webber’s Tesla SUV when the situation violently escalated. Allegedly, Webber shot Wells, who was seated in the passenger seat.
After the shooting, Webber reportedly asked the two individuals in the back of the vehicle to help remove the body. When they refused and fled, he abandoned the car with Wells inside. The victim was discovered hours later in a yard and pronounced dead.
Webber was apprehended at a hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia, and is awaiting extradition to Maryland to face charges of first- and second-degree murder, along with assault and firearm offenses.
The story quickly spread, sparking disbelief and questions about how someone with no limbs could operate a firearm, let alone while driving. However, videos surfaced online, dating back to earlier this year, demonstrating Webber skillfully loading and firing a 9mm handgun without assistance.
Adding another layer to the situation, Webber informed authorities upon his arrest that he does not require his prosthetic limbs while incarcerated, stating he hasn’t used them for several months. His amputations occurred when he was just ten months old, the result of a severe blood infection leading to sepsis.
The American Cornhole League acknowledged the arrest, releasing a statement expressing their concern for all those affected by the tragedy and emphasizing their respect for the ongoing legal process. They declined to comment on specific details while the investigation continues.
This case presents a complex intersection of tragedy, legal procedure, and the surprising capabilities of an individual. It’s a story that challenges assumptions and forces a reckoning with the unexpected.
