A Washington, D.C. funeral home owner has been convicted for the murder of a pallbearer during a child’s burial service. Wilson Wesley Chavis, 50, owner of Compassion and Serenity Funeral Home, was found guilty of fatally shooting Ronald Steven Banks, 30, a family friend of the deceased child, during the funeral of 10-year-old Arianna Miracle Davis. Arianna had been tragically killed by a stray bullet.
The incident took place on June 6, 2023, as Arianna’s burial service was about to begin. Chavis reportedly initiated a confrontation with two individuals from a rival funeral service company, with whom he had an ongoing business dispute. This confrontation led to a heated argument with several funeral attendees, who were upset with Chavis’s behavior.
The situation took a deadly turn when Chavis pulled out a firearm and fired two shots. Banks was hit and a cousin of Arianna was grazed by a bullet. Banks, who had been carrying Arianna’s casket, later died from his injuries at a hospital.
Arianna’s mother, Antionette Belk, shared her distress over the incident with local media. She described the trauma of witnessing another violent incident at her daughter’s burial site, which compounded the grief of losing her daughter. Belk, a mother of four and a teacher, also reported that Chavis had yelled, “I own this body!” and spat on a pastor present at the scene.
Following the shooting, Chavis attempted to flee in his vehicle. However, a Morningside Police Department officer spotted him and apprehended him. Chavis later claimed that his actions were in self-defense.
Arianna had been killed by a stray bullet while returning home from a Mother’s Day event. She was in the back seat of her family’s car when the incident occurred. Three men are currently facing charges in connection with Arianna’s murder.
Chavis had previously had a temporary peace order filed against him by the president of the rival funeral home, following alleged threats. He is now facing a potential 65-year prison sentence, with his sentencing scheduled for July 11, according to online records.