Full Breakdown
Infant Kohen Wiley Killed in Mississippi Police Shooting: Independent Autopsy Raises Transparency Questions
7/2/2026, 6:45:03 AM
Fatal Shooting of Infant Kohen Wiley
On June 14, 2026, Senatobia police fired a handgun into a vehicle in the Walmart parking lot on West Gilmore Street, striking 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, who died from a torso gunshot wound. The child’s mother and the driver were also injured.
Background and Police Narrative
Police say they responded to a shoplifting call about diapers and attempted to stop the car, which they claim drove toward officers, nearly striking one before an officer discharged his weapon. The family disputes that the vehicle was approaching.
Key Figures and Legal Team
The family is represented by civil-rights attorneys Ben Crump and Van Turner. Forensic pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell performed the independent autopsy. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation leads the criminal probe. Senatobia Police have not publicly identified the officer. Activist Patrick Lumumba leads local calls for accountability.
Independent Autopsy Findings
Dr. Mitchell’s preliminary report classified the death as a homicide. The bullet entered the infant’s right chest, passed through vital organs, and exited the left side. Pseudo-stippling on the right torso indicated tempered-glass fragments from a side-window, not the windshield.
Official Responses and Evidentiary Gaps
A Mississippi Bureau of Investigation spokesperson declined comment, saying the investigation remains open and video will be released only after completion. Senatobia Police referred inquiries to state authorities; the officer remains on leave and unnamed. No body-camera, dash-camera, or Walmart footage has been made public.
Community Criticism and Transparency Demands
Attorney Ben Crump urged release of all video, calling the police narrative a “life-or-death” claim lacking proof. Van Turner demanded the footage, saying, “Now we know how this young, precious child died—release the video.” Activists displayed “Justice for Baby Kohen” signs and warned they will not “lose this one.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “This police is shooting from the side. You can’t get that shot from the front. Why would you shoot into a vehicle from the side where you’re clearly not in harm’s way?” — Ben Crump, civil-rights attorney
- “They want us to believe that it was a life or death situation,” — Ben Crump
- “Now we know how this young, precious child died—release the video.” — Van Turner, co-counsel
- “There’s righteous indignation because we’re not going to lose this one,” — Patrick Lumumba, community activist
What’s Next
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation continues its inquiry, planning a forensic review of vehicle positioning. State officials say video may be released after the investigation, potentially months away. The family’s attorneys will seek further discovery, while activists push for a city-council hearing on police accountability.
