A Maryland-based funeral director, Wilson Wesley Chavis, 50, has been convicted of second-degree murder for shooting a pallbearer at a child’s funeral service. Chavis, the owner of Compassion and Serenity Funeral Home in Suitland, Maryland, was found guilty on Thursday, February 13, 2025. His actions turned a 10-year-old’s burial into a scene of violence.
The court case unveiled a series of tragic events, starting with the shooting of Arianna Davis on Mother’s Day. Davis was in a car with her family in Northeast Washington, D.C., on May 14, 2023, when a stray bullet from a nearby shootout struck her. A later investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department linked the guns used in Davis’ death to two unsolved murders and more than 24 other shooting incidents.
On June 6, 2023, less than a month after Davis’ death, mourners convened for the funeral at Washington National Cemetery in Suitland. Chavis, hired for $20,000 to manage the funeral, arrived at the cemetery armed. Court testimony indicated that he had a longstanding business feud with another funeral home, and the presence of its representatives among the mourners ignited a confrontation.
As the situation escalated, Chavis shoved the service pastor, leading to a confrontation with the attendees. Instead of de-escalating, Chavis drew a handgun and started shooting. Ronald Steven Banks, a 30-year-old pallbearer, was shot in the back while carrying the child’s casket. A 39-year-old woman also sustained a minor gunshot wound. Banks later died at the hospital from his injuries.
Chavis fled the scene after the shooting, creating a chaotic situation that deprived Davis’ family of a proper farewell. Police later arrested him during a traffic stop. Chavis tried to argue self-defense during his trial, but the prosecution successfully refuted his claim.
“When acts of violence occur at places that should be sacred like funeral homes and cemeteries, it’s horrific,” said State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy. “With this guilty verdict, Mr. Chavis will be held accountable for his reckless, callous actions.”
Assistant State’s Attorney William Porter highlighted the additional grief this incident caused for Davis’ family. He noted that the chaos prevented Arianna’s mother from witnessing her daughter’s burial. Someone had to inform her later about where her child was buried.
While Chavis was awaiting trial, police investigation into Arianna Davis’ death progressed. On September 18, 2023, 19-year-old Koran Gregory of Southeast D.C. was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed. This arrest and the later apprehension of 19-year-old Dallas McKinney and 24-year-old Charles Edward Owens were made possible by community tips and video evidence.
The jury acquitted Chavis of charges including first-degree murder, attempted murder, attempted manslaughter, and assault but found him guilty of second-degree murder, use of a handgun in a crime of violence, and reckless endangerment. Chavis is due for sentencing on July 11, 2025, and could face up to 65 years in prison.
In light of this case, Prince George’s County officials are reviewing security procedures for funeral services, particularly those for victims of gun violence. The conviction addresses not only the death of Ronald Banks but also the disruption of a peaceful burial service for a young child tragically killed.
