A funeral home proprietor has been handed a 35-year prison sentence for the murder of a pallbearer at a child’s burial ceremony in Washington, D.C. Wilson Wesley Chavis, 50, the owner of Compassion and Serenity Funeral Home, was found guilty in February for the murder of Ronald Steven Banks, a 30-year-old pallbearer and family friend of Arianna Miracle Davis, a 10-year-old girl who was killed by a stray bullet. The incident occurred during Arianna’s burial service on June 6, 2023.
The sentencing was announced on Friday, with the judge emphasizing the severity of the crime. Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson stated that the sentencing sends a strong message that such violence will not be tolerated in the community. She expressed sympathy for the families affected by the tragic incident and reiterated the commitment to hold those who commit violent acts accountable.
The incident occurred as Arianna’s burial service was about to commence. Chavis reportedly confronted two individuals associated with a rival funeral service company, with whom he had a long-standing business dispute. This confrontation led to an altercation with several funeral attendees, which escalated when Chavis drew a firearm and fired two shots. Banks was fatally wounded, and a cousin of Arianna was grazed by a bullet.
Arianna’s mother, Antionette Belk, expressed her trauma over the incident to a local NBC affiliate. She described 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.
Following the shooting, Chavis attempted to escape 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, 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.