Calls for Justice at Funeral of Toddler Killed by Police

Hundreds gathered in Mississippi to mourn Kohen Wiley, a 1-year-old who was fatally shot by police. The incident is under investigation. Mourners attended the funeral at Hosanna Family Worship Center in Pope. They honored Kohen’s memory and demanded accountability for his death.

Van Turner, a civil rights attorney representing the Wiley family, led chants for justice. He stated, “There is nothing in that Walmart store that is more precious than a baby.” The funeral happened two weeks after the incident in which a Senatobia police officer fired at a vehicle near a Walmart. The officer responded to a shoplifting call, and authorities said the vehicle almost hit police officers.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is looking into the case. Spokesperson Bailey Martin mentioned that body-camera footage might be released in a few months, emphasizing the urgency of the case.

How Kohen Wiley Was Remembered

Family and friends celebrated Kohen’s life, describing him as an energetic toddler. He was buried with a Bluey stuffed toy. His mother, Vellesiya Wiley, held a similar toy, as reported by NBC.

Social media videos showed Kohen’s Bluey-themed casket taken by a white horse-drawn carriage. Local station WLOX noted that nearly 300 people attended the service at 2:00 p.m. Black Lives Matter Birmingham Grass Roots members traveled to support the family, as reported by WREG.

Before the funeral service, a public visitation took place in Senatobia. Community members paid their respects. A planned candlelight vigil by the Building Bridges Coalition was canceled due to a missed form submission, as per a civil rights organization. Newsweek sought comments from the City of Sardis’ Clerk via an online form after hours.

The Shooting That Killed Kohen Wiley

The shooting occurred on June 14 when Senatobia police responded to a shoplifting report at Walmart. Officers approached a vehicle with Kohen and two adults. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety reported that the driver accelerated toward the officers, leading one officer to shoot into the vehicle. Kohen was hit and died from his injuries.

Kohen’s family contests this account. His mother, Vellesiya Wiley, claimed she showed officers the child in the car, asserting the vehicle was in reverse when shots were fired. The family’s attorneys, including Ben Crump, refute accusations of theft and continue to press for the release of police video evidence.

On bodycam footage, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation mentioned to Newsweek, “We cannot put a specific timeframe on these investigations.” They aim to finish within 6-9 months, prioritizing this case. Once investigations complete, findings go to the Attorney General’s Office.

The officer who fired remains unidentified and is on administrative leave.