Pastor Shot By Family Friend After Argument: Police

BOWIE, MD — A Bowie man is charged with murder after police said he shot a family friend and Lanham pastor, reports said.

Benjamin Francis, 59, was shot on Rockport Lane in Bowie by Herbert Mason Jr., 58, Prince George’s County police said.

The shooting happened about 6:30 p.m. Sept. 7 in the 4300 block of Rockport Lane in unincorporated Bowie. Officers found Francis outside suffering from a gunshot wound. He died a short time later at a hospital, a police news release said.

Investigators said the two men argued; they had known each other for over 30 years, NBC Washington said.

“I want people to know that he was a believer,” the victim's son, Benjamin Francis, told NBC Washington. “He was definitely a man with a kind heart, a generous heart.”

Francis is survived by a wife, six children and two grandchildren. The family set up an online fundraiser to help with funeral and other family expenses.

"He was not only a loving husband and father, but also the sole provider for our family," his wife, Monica, said on the fundraising site. "His sudden loss has left us heartbroken and struggling to manage both emotionally and financially. We are now facing significant costs, including funeral expenses and the immediate needs of keeping our household afloat during this incredibly difficult time. With him being our family’s primary source of income, it has been overwhelming to face these challenges alone."

Mason is in the custody of the Department of Corrections, police said.

Anyone with information on this case who would like to speak to a Homicide Unit detective may call 301-516-2512.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device) or call 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous. Please refer to case number 25-0049865.