The family of a 1-year-old boy fatally shot by police in a Mississippi Walmart parking lot is demanding the release of video footage to clarify the circumstances of the shooting. Kohen Wiley was killed on June 14 when officers responded to a shoplifting call involving his mother and another woman. The family claims the vehicle was driving away from police, while officers contend it was moving toward them.
Vellesiya Wiley, Kohen’s mother, emotionally recounted the tragedy at a news conference, stating, 'I watched my baby take his first breath, and I watched my baby take his last breath.' Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the family, called for the release of body camera, dash camera, and Walmart security footage to determine whether officers were at risk. 'If that is the truth, then show us that,' Crump said. 'The longer you delay releasing the video, the more distrustful we become.'
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) is handling the inquiry, but officials declined to comment on the availability of video evidence. The shooting has sparked outrage in Senatobia, where some residents cite it as part of a pattern of troubling police encounters with Black residents. The family has also announced plans to conduct an independent autopsy.
Key Facts and Developments
- Date of Incident: June 14, 2026
- Location: Walmart parking lot in Senatobia, Mississippi
- Victim: Kohen Wiley, 1-year-old
- Officers' Account: Vehicle allegedly moved toward them
- Family's Account: Vehicle was driving away
- Investigation: Handled by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation
- Family's Demands: Release of body camera, dash camera, and security footage
- Independent Autopsy: Planned by the family
Deeper Dive & Context
The Incident
Officers responded to a shoplifting call at the Walmart, where they encountered two adults and a child in a vehicle. According to the MBI, officers attempted to stop the vehicle, and one officer opened fire when the driver allegedly drove toward them. The shooting resulted in Kohen’s death and critical injuries to an adult passenger.
Community Reaction
The shooting has intensified tensions in Senatobia, a small city with a history of contentious police-community relations. Some residents view the incident as part of a broader pattern of police misconduct involving Black residents. A memorial has been set up outside the Walmart where the shooting occurred.
Legal and Investigative Steps
The family’s legal team, led by Ben Crump, has emphasized the need for transparency. Crump argued that releasing the video would help determine whether the officers' actions were justified. The MBI has not yet indicated whether it will comply with the family’s request.
The family’s decision to conduct an independent autopsy underscores their lack of confidence in the official investigation. Crump stated, 'When a baby is killed by police, we cannot rely solely on the same system that failed to protect him.'
Broader Implications
The case has drawn national attention, with advocates calling for stricter policies on police use of force, particularly in cases involving minors. The outcome of the investigation and the family’s legal actions could set precedents for future cases involving police shootings.