Funeral home director allegedly shoots pallbearer at girl's burial

08 June 2023 , 16:27

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Ronald Banks (pictured) was fatally shot as a result of a dispute between the suspect and a competing funeral home, officials say (Image: Courtesy of family)

A Maryland funeral home owner, fueled by a longstanding business dispute, allegedly shot and killed a pallbearer during the burial of a 10-year-old girl.

The incident unfolded at Washington National Cemetery in Suitland on Tuesday (June 6) where friends and family gathered to bid a final farewell to young Arianna Davis, who died in a drive-by shooting in Washington, DC.

The accused, identified as Wilson Chavis, 48, the owner of Compassion and Serenity Funeral Home, reportedly had a fatal confrontation with a pastor, named Ronald Banks.

The confrontation was allegedly ignited due to a longstanding business dispute with Freeman Funeral Services, the NY Post reported.

Funeral home owner Wilson Chavis has been charged with murder for the alleged shooting (Prince George's County Police Department)

Arianna Davis, 10, was struck by gunfire as she slept in the back seat of her family’s car near her siblings on Mother’s Day. (Courtesy of family)

As the burial ceremony proceeded, Chavis's anger allegedly escalated, leading to an outburst of violence.

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Eyewitnesses recounted the chaos that unfolded as Chavis directed his rage towards the pastor,allegedly shouting expletives and proclaiming, "I'm here for all you b**** a** n****"

He then allegedly pushed the pastor and said, “This ain’t your f—— funeral home,” according to the outlet.

Chavis apparently stumbled and fell while being confronted by several mourners who took offence to his disrespectful behavior.

Police are investigating what happened (Fox5)

He allegedly then pulled out a firearm from his waistband, and opened fire,, fatally shooting Ronald Banks, a pallbearer, and injuring a cousin of the deceased girl.

Police swiftly responded to the scene, and Chavis was apprehended during a routine traffic stop shortly after the incident.

Prince George's County police have charged Chavis with first- and second-degree murder, as well as attempted murder.

Antionette Belk, the grieving mother of Arianna Davis, said: “I’m so traumatized that this happened at my daughter’s burial site. I didn’t even get to lay her down, even to put her in the ground, and another incident happened.

Authorities are continuing their investigation. (Fox5)

“This is so traumatising to me, my children, my whole family. It’s trauma after trauma."

She recalled Chavis's disturbing behavior, stating that he even yelled, "I own this body!" and spat at the pastor before resorting to violence.

Glenda Freeman, the head of Freeman Funeral Services, had previously sought legal protection against Chavis, citing alleged threats and harassment.

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She filed for a temporary peace order, including protection for the pastor involved in the burial, Joseph Fletcher, and another employee.

However, the temporary order was dismissed when the petitioner failed to appear for a scheduled hearing on the day of the shooting.

Both Freeman Funeral Services and Compassion and Serenity Funeral Home have yet to respond to media inquiries regarding the incident.

Authorities are continuing their investigation.

Lucy Williamson