Funeral Held for 1-Year-Old as Investigation Into Walmart Parking Lot Shooting Continues
A 1-year-old boy killed in an officer-involved shooting outside a Walmart in Mississippi was laid to rest this week, as his family and community gathered in grief while pressing authorities for transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigation.
The child, identified as Kohen Wiley, was shot on June 14 in Senatobia, Mississippi, about 40 miles from Memphis, during a police response to a shoplifting call. The case is now being investigated by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which has not yet released body camera footage from the incident.
What Happened in the Walmart Parking Lot
According to preliminary statements from investigators, officers responding to a report at a Walmart encountered multiple individuals fleeing the store and entering a vehicle. Authorities allege that the vehicle nearly struck an officer, prompting at least one officer to open fire.
Kohen’s mother, Vellesiya Wiley, has said she was a passenger in the vehicle and disputes the claim that anyone intended to hit police. The driver, a friend of the family, was critically injured in the shooting and has not been publicly identified.
Officials have also said the situation began as a response to an alleged shoplifting incident involving diapers, though the full circumstances remain under investigation.
Local authorities have placed the officer involved on administrative leave, but have not publicly released their identity.
Family and Civil Rights Attorneys Call for Accountability
At Kohen’s funeral service in Pope, Mississippi, relatives, community members, and civil rights advocates gathered to remember the child and demand justice.
Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Memphis-based attorney Van Turner, who represent the family, have called for the immediate release of body camera footage, arguing that transparency is essential to understanding what happened.
Turner told mourners that there was “no justification” for the child’s death, while urging continued public attention on the case.
The family has also questioned why deadly force was used during a response involving a minor child.
Emotional Farewell in a Small Mississippi Community
During the funeral service, held at a local church, family members described Kohen as a joyful toddler who was deeply loved by his parents and extended family. His casket was carried by young pallbearers and surrounded by toys, stuffed animals, and blue-themed floral arrangements in tribute.
Mourners wore shades of blue and gathered earlier for visitation services, where hymns and nursery rhymes were shared in remembrance.
The emotional service ended with calls for justice for the child, as attendees echoed demands for answers in the weeks ahead.
Community Concerns Over Policing and Transparency
The shooting has intensified concerns among some residents about law enforcement practices in Senatobia. Community members attending the services described strained relations with police in recent years and called for reforms and greater accountability.
Some locals have also discussed boycotting the Walmart store where the incident occurred, which temporarily closed during protests linked to the case.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Authorities have not yet completed their investigation or released full evidence, including body camera footage. The timeline for public disclosure remains unclear, as state officials continue to review the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The case has drawn national attention and renewed debate over police use of force, especially in incidents involving minors and low-level alleged offenses.
A Life Remembered Amid Unanswered Questions
As the investigation continues, Kohen Wiley’s family says their focus remains on honoring his memory while seeking clarity and justice. The toddler, described by relatives as playful and loving, was remembered in a service filled with grief, remembrance, and calls for accountability.
