The tragic death of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley in a police shooting has been deemed “justified” by Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch. The incident occurred in June when officers opened fire at a vehicle in a Walmart parking lot, responding to a report of shoplifting.
According to the AG’s office, the shooting took place during an attempted traffic stop when the vehicle, driven by a friend of Kohen’s mother, allegedly drove towards officers, nearly hitting one. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) later confirmed that Kohen was struck by gunfire and died at a local hospital, while another passenger suffered serious injuries.
“The Office of the Attorney General announced it has completed the review of a June 14, 2026 incident… In this incident, the Attorney General’s Office found the use of force was justified,” the statement from Fitch’s office read.
Kohen’s mother, Vellesiya Wiley, has publicly contested the police’s account of the events, stating that they were simply leaving the store after a quick stop for diapers. She claims that her friend’s vehicle was not being driven aggressively towards officers and that she had been trying to communicate to them that there was a child in the car.
In response to the attorney general’s findings, the family’s legal representatives, led by prominent civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, have expressed their disappointment, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. This incident has sparked ongoing protests in Senatobia, where community members demand accountability and justice for Kohen.
As the investigation continues, the intersection of law enforcement practices and community safety remains a critical topic of discussion, particularly in light of the tragic loss of a young life.
Photo credit: Andrea Morales for NBC News
