A Mississippi family is demanding answers after a 1-year-old boy was fatally shot during a police response in Senatobia. The incident has sparked calls for transparency, accountability, and a full investigation as community members continue to mourn the child’s death.
Kohen Wiley died after being shot on June 14 in a Walmart parking lot in Senatobia, a city about 40 miles south of Memphis. Police had responded to a report of suspected shoplifting before the shooting took place.
Nearly two weeks later, family members, friends, and supporters gathered at a church in rural Mississippi to remember the young boy during his funeral service. Many people wore blue to honor Kohen, while stuffed animals and flowers surrounded his small casket.
Family members remembered Kohen as a happy child who loved his parents and brought joy to everyone around him. They spoke about the future they had hoped he would have, including family trips, school, birthdays, and time with relatives.
During the funeral, religious leaders described the close bond between Kohen and his mother. They also shared memories from his father and grandfather, who remembered him as a playful and loving child.
Civil rights attorney Van Turner, who represents the family, told mourners that nothing could justify the child’s death. He said the incident should never have happened and called for justice on behalf of the family.
According to the family’s legal team, police were responding to a report involving suspected stolen diapers before the shooting. Attorneys said no item from a store should ever be valued more than a child’s life.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation said officers saw two adults and a young child leaving the store and getting into a vehicle. Authorities stated that the driver nearly struck an officer, leading one officer to open fire.
Kohen’s mother has disputed that account. She said she was a passenger in the vehicle and that the driver was trying to leave the parking lot, not hit any officer. She also said she later watched her son take his final breath.
Investigators said the driver was critically injured during the shooting. Officials have not released the driver’s identity.
The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues. Authorities have not publicly identified the officer or released body camera footage from the incident.
The family’s legal team has called for the immediate release of the recordings. They argue that public access to the video would help answer important questions about what happened during the encounter.
State investigators have said the footage will not be released until the investigation is complete.
The case has also renewed concerns about policing in Senatobia. Some residents attending the funeral and visitation said they have experienced difficult relationships with the local police department over several years.
Community members pointed to earlier incidents that raised questions about police actions in the city. Some said the latest tragedy has increased fears among families with young children.
Following the shooting, local protests were held outside the Walmart store where the incident happened. Some activists have encouraged shoppers to avoid the location while the investigation continues.
Family members said they hope the case leads to meaningful changes in the community. They also said they want a full review of the events that led to Kohen’s death.
At the funeral, six young children carried Kohen’s casket to a white horse-drawn carriage waiting outside the church. The emotional service brought together relatives, friends, and supporters who shared memories of the little boy and expressed hope that justice would follow.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation continues to examine the shooting. Officials have not announced when the investigation will be completed or whether any charges will be filed.
As the inquiry moves forward, Kohen’s family says their focus remains on seeking answers, accountability, and justice while remembering the life of a child they believe was taken far too soon.
