Wilson Wesley Chavis, a 50-year-old funeral director from Maryland, has been convicted of second-degree murder for a fatal shooting that occurred during a child’s burial service. Chavis, the proprietor of the Compassion and Serenity Funeral Home in Suitland, Maryland, was found guilty on February 13, 2025, of killing a pallbearer at the funeral of a 10-year-old shooting victim.
The trial unveiled a sequence of tragedies that started with the shooting of 10-year-old Arianna Davis on Mother’s Day. The young girl was in a car with her family in Northeast Washington, D.C. on May 14, 2023, when a bullet from a nearby gunfight hit her. The Metropolitan Police Department’s investigation later discovered that the firearms used in Davis’ murder were linked to two other unresolved homicides in 2022 and numerous other shooting incidents.
On June 6, 2023, less than a month after Davis’ death, mourners assembled at Washington National Cemetery in Suitland for her burial. Chavis, who had received $20,000 for the funeral services, came to the cemetery armed. Testimony in court revealed that a longstanding business disagreement with another funeral home escalated into conflict when Chavis spotted representatives from the competing business among the mourners.
The situation quickly escalated when Chavis physically pushed the graveside service pastor. This triggered a confrontation with the attendees over his behavior. Instead of de-escalating, Chavis drew a handgun and began shooting. Ronald Steven Banks, a 30-year-old pallbearer, was shot in the back, and a bullet grazed a 39-year-old woman. Banks was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Following the shooting, Chavis fled the scene, causing a chaotic situation that deprived Davis’ family of a proper farewell to the young girl. He was later apprehended by police during a traffic stop. During his trial, Chavis claimed self-defense, but the prosecution argued against this, proving his actions were unwarranted.
“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 out, expressing how devastating the situation was for Davis’ family. The most tragic aspect, he explained, was that Arianna’s mother missed her daughter’s burial due to the chaos. She had to be told later where her child was laid to rest.
As Chavis awaited trial, the investigation into Arianna Davis’ murder continued. On September 18, 2023, 19-year-old Koran Gregory of Southeast D.C. was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed. Community cooperation, including tips and video evidence, led investigators to Gregory. Additional arrests were made as the case developed, expanding the scope of the investigation.
The jury eventually convicted Chavis of second-degree murder, use of a handgun in a violent crime, and reckless endangerment. He was acquitted of more serious charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, attempted manslaughter, and assault. Chavis faces up to 65 years in prison when he returns for sentencing on July 11, 2025.
In light of this case, officials in Prince George’s County are reviewing security protocols for funeral services, particularly those of gun violence victims. The State’s Attorney’s Office confirmed that Chavis’s conviction not only addresses the murder of Ronald Banks but also the disruption of a peaceful burial service for a child tragically taken too soon.
