During the funeral of a 10-year-old shooting victim, the funeral director proclaimed “I own this body” before fatally shooting a pallbearer, and has now received a lengthy prison sentence.

Tragedy at a Funeral Service

 July 13, 2025: On June 6, 2023, at Washington National Cemetery in Suitland, Maryland, 50-year-old funeral home owner Wilson Wesley Chavis oversaw the burial service for 10-year-old Arianna Davis, who had been killed by a stray bullet on Mother’s Day. While directing the service, Chavis confronted people affiliated with a rival funeral home amid a long-standing business dispute. Heated words escalated, and Chavis declared aloud: “I own this body … I worked on this body”. Shortly afterward, he drew a firearm and opened fire ⎯ striking Ronald Steven Banks, a 30-year-old pallbearer, who later died at the hospital. A second victim, a woman, was grazed but survived.

Guilty Verdict, Self‑Defense Rejected

In February 2025, a Prince George’s County jury found Chavis guilty of second-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and weapons-related charges. He was acquitted of first-degree and attempted murder charges. During the trial, Chavis maintained he acted in self-defense after a physical confrontation amid the funeral. Prosecutors countered that he intentionally came armed, asserting dominance, and disrupted the service with violence.

A Lengthy Sentence

On July 11, 2025, Chavis was sentenced to 35 years in prison, underscoring the gravity of his actions and the breach of trust he committed at a child’s funeral. State’s Attorney Tara Jackson emphasized that violence during sacred rituals won’t be tolerated and that the verdict sends a strong message to the community.

Impact on the Family and Community

The victim, Ronald Banks, was a family friend asked to serve as a pallbearer at the funeral for Arianna Davis. Her mother later revealed she never witnessed her daughter lowered into the ground—trauma layered upon tragedy. She said she felt “trauma after trauma” on a day meant for mourning.

Final Take

This case is a distressing example of how longstanding personal disputes, when fueled by hostility and power claims, can erupt into violence—even at solemn public events. By stating “I own this body,” Chavis asserted possession over the deceased, breaching professional ethics and common decency. His conviction and severe sentence attempt to provide accountability, convey justice, and offer some closure to a grieving community.