A Washington, D.C. funeral home owner has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of a pallbearer at a child’s funeral. Wilson Wesley Chavis, 50, proprietor of Compassion and Serenity Funeral Home, was convicted in February for the killing of Ronald Steven Banks, a 30-year-old family friend who was serving as a pallbearer at the funeral of Arianna Miracle Davis, a 10-year-old girl tragically killed by a stray bullet. The incident took place during the funeral service on June 6, 2023.
The sentencing was announced last Friday, with the judge underscoring the gravity of the crime. Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson stated that the sentence sends a clear message that such violence will not be tolerated in the community. Jackson expressed her condolences to the families affected by the tragic event and reaffirmed the commitment to holding those who commit violent acts accountable.
The incident unfolded as the funeral service for Arianna was about to begin. Chavis reportedly confronted two individuals from a rival funeral service company, with whom he had an ongoing business dispute. This confrontation led to a brawl with several funeral attendees, which escalated when Chavis pulled out a gun and fired two shots. Banks was fatally wounded, and a cousin of Arianna was grazed by a bullet.
Arianna’s mother, Antionette Belk, shared her distress over the incident with a local NBC affiliate. She recounted the horror of witnessing another violent incident at her daughter’s burial site, stating that the event was deeply traumatizing for her and her family.
After the shooting, Chavis tried to flee in his vehicle but was apprehended by an officer from the Morningside Police Department. Chavis later claimed that he had acted in self-defense. Banks, who had been carrying Arianna’s casket, later died in the hospital.
Arianna had been tragically 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. Online records indicate that Chavis is set to be sentenced on July 11, and could face up to 65 years in prison.