A Maryland funeral director has been convicted of murder after he opened fire during a burial service for a 10-year-old girl.
In June 2023, 50-year-old Wilson Wesley Chavis arrived at Washington National Cemetery in Suitland to oversee the funeral for Arianna Davis, who was fatally shot on Mother’s Day while in a car with her family in Washington, D.C.
According to authorities, Chavis became involved in a confrontation with representatives from another funeral home with whom he had an ongoing business feud. Attendees of the funeral confronted him about his actions, and at one point, he brandished a gun and fired shots.
One bullet struck 30-year-old Ronald Banks, a pallbearer, resulting in his death at a hospital, while another shot grazed a woman who survived.
Following the incident, Chavis fled the scene but was apprehended later during a traffic stop.
Court officials have indicated that Chavis could face up to 65 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for July 11.
