A Washington, D.C. funeral home owner was found guilty of fatally shooting a pallbearer during the burial service of a 10-year-old girl. The girl, Arianna Miracle Davis, had been tragically killed by a stray bullet. Wilson Wesley Chavis, 50, owner of Compassion and Serenity Funeral Home, was convicted on Thursday for the murder of Ronald Steven Banks, a 30-year-old pallbearer and family friend of Arianna.
The incident occurred on June 6, 2023, as the burial service for Arianna was about to commence. Chavis reportedly confronted two individuals associated with a rival funeral service company, with whom he had an ongoing business dispute. This confrontation led to a heated exchange with several funeral attendees, who were upset with Chavis’s behavior.
The situation escalated when Chavis drew a firearm and discharged two rounds. Banks was hit and a cousin of Arianna was grazed by a bullet. Banks, who had been carrying Arianna’s casket, later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
Arianna’s mother, Antionette Belk, expressed her anguish over the incident to local media. She described the trauma of witnessing another violent incident at her daughter’s burial site, adding to 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 escape in his vehicle. However, an officer from the Morningside Police Department 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.