An independent autopsy of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, who was fatally shot during a police response to a shoplifting call at a Mississippi Walmart, revealed the bullet entered through the side of the car, contradicting the officer's initial account. The findings, shared by the family's attorneys, raise questions about the justification for the shooting.
Core Facts and Developments
The preliminary autopsy, conducted by Dr. Roger Mitchell, determined that Kohen died from a gunshot wound to the torso. The bullet entered the right side of his chest and exited the left, indicating the shot came from the side of the vehicle. The family's legal team, including attorneys Ben Crump and Van Turner, presented the findings at a press conference in Senatobia, Mississippi, where Kohen's visitation was held.
Context and Background
The shooting occurred on June 14 when police responded to a report of shoplifting at a Walmart in Senatobia. Authorities initially stated that an officer fired after the car, driven by a friend of Kohen's mother, drove toward police. Kohen's mother disputes this account, claiming the car was moving away from officers. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) has said the shooting unfolded when officers saw two adults and a child fleeing into a vehicle.
Community Reaction and Demands for Transparency
The shooting has sparked outrage and protests in Senatobia, where residents cite a history of troubling police encounters. Crump emphasized the need for transparency, calling on authorities to release police bodycam footage. The family and their legal team argue that the autopsy results challenge the officer's claim of imminent danger, suggesting the shooting may not have been justified.
Legal and Investigative Next Steps
The MBI is investigating the incident, but few details have been released publicly. The family's attorneys have demanded accountability and transparency, citing the lack of clarity surrounding the officer's actions. The autopsy's classification of Kohen's death as a homicide has intensified scrutiny and calls for a thorough review of the shooting.