Benjamin Francis, 59, was killed after a dispute with a longtime acquaintance on the evening of Sunday, September 7, 2025. He was found outside in the 4300 block of Rockport Lane in Bowie, Maryland, suffering from a gunshot wound, was taken to a local hospital, and died a short time later.

The other person involved is Herbert Keith Mason Jr., 58, who had been friends with Francis for more than three decades. Mason was taken into custody at the scene and has been charged with second-degree murder; he is in the custody of the Department of Corrections. Authorities describe the fatal encounter as an argument that escalated to violence, though the nature of the disagreement has not been released.

Francis was a pastor at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Lanham, an Army veteran, a husband, father of six and a grandfather, and the family’s sole provider. The community has been supporting the family as the investigation continues.

If anyone knew Benjamin or has information about what led to the confrontation on Rockport Lane, please share what can help the ongoing investigation.