SUITLAND, MD – The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit has charged 48-year-old Wilson Chavis of Hughesville with the murder of 30-year-old Ronald Steven Banks of Washington, DC. The incident took place on Tuesday, around 1:20 pm, at a cemetery located in the 4100 block of Suitland Road.
Police found Banks, who had been a pallbearer at the cemetery, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Another individual, an adult female, sustained a minor graze wound.
Based on preliminary findings, Chavis is said to be the owner of the funeral service company that was orchestrating the burial service for a child at the cemetery.
He reportedly confronted two people linked to another funeral service company, with which he allegedly has a business dispute. In the ensuing confrontation involving several funeral attendees, Chavis is suspected of drawing a firearm, firing two shots, and subsequently fleeing the scene in his vehicle.
Shortly after, an officer from the Morningside Police Department located Chavis and made an arrest during a traffic stop. Chavis faces charges of first and second-degree murder, attempted first and second-degree murder, among other related charges. He remains in the custody of the Department of Corrections.
The Prince George’s County Police Department requests anyone with information about this case to call the Homicide Unit at 301-516-2512.
