Tragic Shooting Sparks Outcry and Fundraising for Family of Kohen Wiley

In a short span, a fundraising campaign has garnered thousands of dollars to aid the family of Kohen Wiley, a 1-year-old tragically killed by police in Mississippi over the weekend. The GoFundMe initiative seeks to cover funeral and related expenses amidst rising tensions in Senatobia, calling for accountability. By Friday afternoon, donations surpassed $3,300 of the $5,000 target.

This money will help the family tremendously, stated organizer Christopher Williams on the fundraising site. Although this won’t bring back their baby boy, it will ease the process and support them in their grief.

Details of the Incident

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is probing the fatal shooting. Officers responded to reports of shoplifting in Senatobia on Sunday. They engaged with two adults and a child fleeing to a vehicle.

According to the Bureau, the driver attempted to hit one officer while reversing, prompting police to open fire. Kohen’s mother, Vellesiya Wiley, shared on social media that she was exiting Walmart with her son when her friend was halted by police.

I kept walking because it had nothing to do with me, Wiley explained, noting she raised her son above her head to show officers a child was present in the car. Multiple shots were fired, one striking Kohen in the rib cage. Other shots wounded her friend in the arm and thigh. They rushed to the hospital, where Kohen was declared dead.

Carolyn Stokes, Kohen’s great-grandmother, voiced her concern to Newsweek over the officer’s actions, finding the shooting reckless and unnecessary.

Kohen Wiley Investigation

Officials told Newsweek that bodycam footage might be released in upcoming months. Bailey Martin, spokesperson for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, confirmed the investigation’s priority status, aiming to conclude within 6 to 9 months. Once complete, findings will be submitted to the Attorney General’s Office.

Van Turner, the family’s attorney, expressed confidence that the footage will clear the mother and her friend of any wrongdoing. He criticized the use of force, calling for transparency and clarity.

The Senatobia Police Department pledged full transparency. The involved officer has been placed on leave.

Community Tensions in Senatobia

Marquell Bridges, president of the Building Bridges Coalition, highlighted Kohen’s death as a catalyst for ongoing concerns about racial injustice in Senatobia. Accusations of past police misconduct have fueled the community’s outrage.

Instances of alleged racial bias include a previous incident where an officer threatened an individual with a Taser during a dispute in the same Walmart. Earlier this year, a separate event saw a 10-year-old detained for urinating in public, resulting in a lawsuit.

Activists denounce valuing property over human life, with Bernice King condemning this prioritization in light of Kohen’s death.

Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell urged patience during the investigation, emphasizing the tragic gravity of the situation. He reassured the public of a thorough, impartial inquiry led by a dedicated team.