Senatobia, Mississippi — Residents gathered this week to honor and remember 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, who was fatally shot by police during an incident at a local Walmart. Family members, friends, and supporters placed flowers, candles, and heartfelt tributes at the site, calling for transparency and justice.

The shooting occurred on June 14 when Senatobia police responded to a shoplifting call at the Walmart Supercenter. According to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, officers encountered two women and the child leaving the store and getting into a vehicle. An officer fired shots as the car reportedly accelerated toward them, striking Kohen and injuring the driver. Kohen was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Kohen’s mother, Vellesiya Wiley, disputed the police account in a statement released by civil rights attorney Ben Crump. She said her friend had paid for diapers with a receipt and that the vehicle was driving away from officers. Wiley stated she held up her son to show police there was a child in the car.

The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. Protests erupted at the Walmart and City Hall, with some demonstrators facing tear gas from law enforcement.

Community members expressed outrage and demanded the release of bodycam and surveillance footage. The family, represented by attorneys Ben Crump and Van Turner, continues to seek answers.

This incident has heightened tensions between police and Black residents in Senatobia. Officials have not released further details as the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation leads the probe.

Kohen’s family and the broader community mourn the loss of the young child, described as a beloved “angel.” Memorials continue to grow with tributes honoring his brief life.