Pastor and Army veteran shot dead in Bowie as suspect charged with murder
Lanham, MD – A 59-year-old pastor and U.S. Army veteran was shot and killed Sunday night in a Prince George’s County neighborhood, and a 58-year-old man is now facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with the fatal dispute.
Benjamin Francis was killed following an argument with Herbert Mason on Rockport Lane in Bowie. According to investigators, the two men knew each other, and the conflict escalated into gunfire. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Francis suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Prince George’s County Police announced on Tuesday that Mason had been arrested and formally charged with second-degree murder. Authorities have not provided information on what sparked the argument or if a weapon was recovered.
Francis was a well-known figure in the Lanham community. He served as pastor at Mount Calvary Baptist Church and was a decorated U.S. Army veteran. Family members said he was a father, grandfather, and spiritual leader who was deeply committed to his community.
The investigation is ongoing, and police have not released further details regarding Mason’s arrest or upcoming court appearances.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Prince George’s County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-8477.
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Key Points
- 59-year-old Benjamin Francis shot and killed Sunday night in Bowie, Maryland
- 58-year-old Herbert Mason arrested and charged with second-degree murder
- Victim was a pastor, Army veteran, father, and grandfather