SENATOBIA, Mississippi — Heartbroken family members, friends, and community supporters gathered this week to remember 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, the young child tragically killed in a police shooting at a local Walmart. Flowers, candles, balloons, and heartfelt tributes now mark the site, as residents call for answers, accountability, and justice.

Kohen was shot and killed on Sunday, June 14, 2026, when Senatobia police responded to a reported shoplifting incident. According to authorities, officers approached a vehicle leaving the store. An officer fired shots, striking Kohen and the driver. The vehicle then fled the scene. Kohen’s mother, Vellesiya Wiley, has shared that she held up her son to show officers he was in the car and insists the group had paid for the items with a receipt. She maintains the car was driving away, not toward officers.

The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is leading the probe, and bodycam and surveillance footage are expected to be reviewed. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is representing the family.

Community Response and Calls for Justice Outrage over the incident quickly grew, leading to protests outside Senatobia City Hall and the Walmart. Demonstrators demanded transparency and the officer’s arrest. Tensions escalated when authorities used tear gas to disperse crowds.

Community meetings have been held, with Mississippi Department of Public Safety officials urging calm during the investigation. Many residents expressed frustration over what they see as a pattern of concerning police encounters in the area.

Kohen’s family and supporters continue to honor the “young angel” through vigils and memorials. His mother and loved ones are pushing for full accountability and the swift release of all video evidence.

This heartbreaking loss has deeply affected the tight-knit community, shining a spotlight on issues of policing, transparency, and public trust. As the investigation proceeds, residents are united in mourning Kohen while seeking answers about the circumstances that led to his death.