A lawyer representing the family of Kohen Wiley, a 1-year-old boy killed by a police officer’s gunfire during a shoplifting response, is demanding the release of body camera footage following the attorney general’s justification of the shooting. According to Attorney General Lynn Fitch’s office, the review of the June 14 shooting is complete, and no charges will be filed against the officer involved. “In this incident, the Attorney General’s Office found the use of force was justified,” the office stated.
Months have passed since Kohen’s death sparked protests and justice calls in Senatobia, Mississippi. It is the latest incident involving police and Black residents that has disturbed the community. Prominent civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, representing Kohen’s family, insists that the public needs to see the footage to verify the attorney general’s decision, stating, “How can anyone accept that conclusion when Kohen’s family and the public still have not been allowed to see the body-camera footage?” Crump criticized the police department, mentioning the recent firing of Chief Harold Vanderford for using racial slurs. Crump insists, “If the footage supports the state’s decision, release it. We will not stop fighting until this family gets the truth.” An independent autopsy suggested that the fatal shot came from the passenger-side window, challenging claims that the vehicle was advancing toward officers.
Martin Zummach, the officer’s attorney, conveyed that the attorney general’s findings clear his client of wrongdoing, asserting that the driver attempted to harm the officers. “He had no choice but to fire his weapon,” Zummach commented.
Incident Details
On June 14, Senatobia officers responded to a shoplifting alert at Walmart, encountering Vellesiya Wiley with her son, Kohen, leaving the store with a friend. The police suspected the theft of diapers and baby clothes, which Kohen’s mother denied. No charges have been filed against her or her friend.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) revealed officers tried to halt the vehicle as the driver nearly hit one of them, leading an officer to fire shots as the vehicle fled. Wiley recounted on social media that she tried to show the presence of her son in the car as officers drew weapons, resulting in shots being fired. Her son was fatally wounded, and her friend received injuries.
Body Camera Footage Inquiry
No footage from the incident has been released, including body-worn camera or CCTV from the parking lot. Authorities have indicated the release will follow the conclusion of the MBI investigation. Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell noted the footage would be presented for potential criminal charges before release.
Alex Gilbert, spokesperson for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, indicated that public records requests for body-worn footage would be considered post-investigation, adhering to legal statutes. “While this investigation remains open and active, MDPS’ policy has been to release the incident report and any related body cam footage at the conclusion of a critical incident investigation,” Gilbert informed.