A Mississippi police officer has been placed on administrative leave following a shooting that resulted in the death of a one-year-old child during a response to an alleged shoplifting incident. The tragedy has sparked protests in Senatobia.
Details of the Incident
On Sunday, police responded to a report of an attempted theft of a box of diapers from a Walmart in Senatobia. An officer fired at a vehicle as it was leaving the scene, according to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI). Authorities claim the vehicle was driving toward the officer, though some witnesses have disputed this account.
The vehicle contained one-year-old Kohen Wiley, who was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. Another individual in the car, a friend of Kohen's mother, was reported to be in critical condition. No officers sustained serious injuries.
Protests and Community Response
Demonstrations erupted in Senatobia following the killing. On Tuesday evening, protesters gathered outside Senatobia City Hall during a municipal meeting. Law enforcement in gas masks formed a line and deployed an irritant similar to teargas to disperse the crowd. Protests also occurred at the Walmart where the shooting took place.
Demand for Transparency
Kohen's family has called for the release of body camera footage and Walmart surveillance video. They have retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who stated: “A one-year-old child is dead because police officers in Mississippi opened fire on a car in a crowded Walmart parking lot. Kohen Wiley was a baby. His mother, who has not been charged with any crime, says she was trying to communicate to officers that there was a baby in the car. They fired anyway, leading to the death of an innocent one-year-old.”
Investigation Underway
The MBI is investigating the shooting and has not publicly identified the officers involved. Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell confirmed an independent investigation and stated that video footage will be released upon completion. Walmart has pledged cooperation with law enforcement.
The Senatobia Police Department posted on Facebook, saying: “We are committed to full transparency. As the investigation progresses and facts are verified, we will share as much information as possible.”
