Community Raises Funds for Family of 1-Year-Old Shot by Police

In a show of support, thousands of dollars have been raised to assist the family of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, tragically killed by police in Mississippi over the weekend. A GoFundMe page aims to cover the child’s funeral and related expenses, reflecting growing community concerns over his death in Senatobia. By Friday afternoon, donations had surpassed $3,300, nearly reaching the $5,000 goal.

“This money will help the family tremendously,” organizer Christopher Williams wrote. “As we all know, burying your loved ones can be costly emotionally as well as monetarily. Although this won’t bring back their baby boy, this will help smooth the process and help them in their time of grief.”

What Happened to Kohen Wiley?

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is looking into the shooting, which occurred while officers responded to a shoplifting call in Senatobia on Sunday. According to the Bureau, police encountered two individuals and a child fleeing the store in a vehicle. As officers tried to stop the car, the driver accelerated towards them, leading an officer to shoot at the vehicle.

Kohen’s mother, Vellesiya Wiley, explained in a social media video that she and Kohen were leaving Walmart when her friend was stopped by police. Wiley continued walking, assuming the encounter did not involve her. Her friend entered a vehicle and reversed, at which point officers drew their guns. Wiley lifted her son to show he was in the car. Moments later, several shots were fired, one hitting Kohen in the rib cage. Her friend was also injured and they drove to the hospital, where Kohen later died.

Carolyn Stokes, Kohen’s great-grandmother, criticized the officer’s actions. She questioned the need to fire into a car for suspected shoplifting, suggesting the officer acted impulsively.

Kohen Wiley Investigation: Key Details

Authorities have indicated the potential for police bodycam footage to be released within months. Mississippi Department of Public Safety spokesperson Bailey Martin stated that each case requires careful investigation without a set timeline. However, they typically aim to complete cases within 6–9 months, with this investigation prioritized. Results will go to the Attorney General’s Office, and public records requests can access the final report.

Van Turner, the family’s attorney, believes the footage will show the use of excessive force. He argued that the vehicle posed no threat, yet deadly force was still applied.

The Senatobia Police Department has promised transparency. The officer involved is on leave.

Community Tensions in Senatobia

Marquell Bridges, president of the Building Bridges Coalition, stated that Kohen’s death was a tipping point after years of problematic police interactions with Black residents in Senatobia. He cited issues of racism, over-policing, and brutality. Bridges mentioned an incident where an officer threatened a woman with a Taser over parking, and another where a boy was arrested for urinating in public.

Activists argue that Kohen’s death exemplifies the undervaluing of Black lives, with Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr., commenting on the moral implications of the incident.

Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell has called for patience as the investigation proceeds, assuring the public of a thorough and independent examination of the case.