Wilson Wesley Chavis, a funeral director from Maryland, was convicted of second-degree murder for fatally shooting a pallbearer at a child’s burial service, thereby turning it into a scene of violence. Chavis, 50, the owner of Compassion and Serenity Funeral Home in Suitland, Maryland, was found guilty on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
The trial that led to this verdict unveiled a series of tragic incidents, beginning with the shooting of 10-year-old Arianna Davis on Mother’s Day. On May 14, 2023, Davis was in a car with her family in Northeast Washington, D.C., when a stray bullet from a nearby gunfight hit her. The Metropolitan Police Department’s subsequent investigation disclosed that the firearms used in Davis’s murder were also linked to two unsolved homicides and over two dozen other shootings.
Less than a month after Davis’ shooting, mourners gathered at Washington National Cemetery in Suitland, Maryland, on June 6, 2023, for her funeral. Chavis, who received $20,000 for managing the funeral arrangements, arrived at the cemetery armed. A longstanding business disagreement with a competing funeral home escalated into a confrontation when Chavis spotted representatives of the rival firm among the mourners.
The situation quickly escalated. Chavis physically shoved the pastor overseeing the graveside service, which led to objections from funeral attendees. Rather than de-escalating the situation, Chavis drew a handgun and began shooting. Ronald Steven Banks, a 30-year-old pallbearer, was shot in the back, and a 39-year-old woman was grazed by a bullet. Banks was rushed to a hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Chavis fled the scene as chaos ensued, depriving Davis’ family of a proper farewell for the young girl. Police later detained him during a traffic stop. In court, Chavis claimed self-defense, but the prosecution effectively disputed his claim, arguing that his actions were inexcusable.
“When acts of violence occur at places that should be sacred like funeral homes and cemeteries, it’s horrific,” stated 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 also spoke about the heartbreaking impact of the incident on Davis’ family. He shared that the most tragic aspect of that day was that Arianna’s mother didn’t get to witness her daughter’s burial. Amid the chaos, she wasn’t present when her child was interred and had to be informed later about her daughter’s final resting place.
While Chavis was awaiting trial, the investigation into Arianna Davis’ murder continued. On September 18, 2023, police arrested 19-year-old Koran Gregory of Southeast D.C., charging him with first-degree murder while armed. The arrest was made possible due to extensive community cooperation, including tip-offs and video evidence. Further arrests were made as the investigation broadened, including 19-year-old Dallas McKinney on January 24, 2024, and 24-year-old Charles Edward Owens shortly after.
The jury convicted Chavis of second-degree murder, use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence, and reckless endangerment. He was acquitted of more serious charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, attempted manslaughter, and assault. Chavis is due back in court for sentencing on July 11, 2025, and faces a maximum of 65 years in prison.
In response to this case, officials in Prince George’s County, Maryland, are reviewing security measures for funeral services, especially those for victims of gun violence. The State’s Attorney’s Office has confirmed that Chavis’ conviction addresses not only the murder of Ronald Banks but also the disruption of what should have been a peaceful burial service for a young life cut short.