Calls for justice resonated at the funeral of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley in Mississippi. The toddler was fatally shot by police earlier this month during an incident under investigation. Family, friends, and community members gathered at Hosanna Family Worship Center in Pope. Speakers remembered Kohen’s life and demanded accountability for his death.
Civil rights attorney Van Turner, representing the Wiley family, led chants of “justice for baby Kohen.” He emphasized, “There is nothing in that Walmart store that is more precious than a baby.”
Remembering Kohen Wiley
The service celebrated Kohen’s short life. Attendees remembered him as an energetic toddler. Kohen was buried with a stuffed Bluey toy. His mother, Vellesiya Wiley, held on to her own Bluey toy.
Video on social media showed Kohen’s Bluey-themed casket being transported in a white horse-drawn carriage. Nearly 300 people attended the service at 2:00 p.m. local time. Members of Black Lives Matter Birmingham Grass Roots traveled to support the family.
A public visitation took place a day before in Senatobia. The Building Bridges Coalition had planned a candlelight vigil for Saturday evening, but it was canceled due to a missing form submission by a city official. Newsweek contacted the City of Sardis’ City Clerk for comment.
The Circumstances of the Shooting
The shooting occurred on June 14 when Senatobia police responded to an alleged shoplifting at Walmart. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety stated officers approached a vehicle with Kohen and two adults as it attempted to leave the parking lot. The driver accelerated towards officers, nearly hitting one, prompting an officer to shoot into the vehicle. Kohen was struck and later died from his injuries.
However, Kohen’s family disputes this account. Vellesiya Wiley claimed she lifted her son to show officers there was a child in the car, and the vehicle was reversing away from police, not driving toward them, when the shots were fired. Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump also refuted the allegation that the vehicle occupants stole diapers. They continue to demand the release of police body-camera and surveillance footage.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation indicated timelines vary for such investigations. Typically, they aim to complete them within 6-9 months. This case is prioritized, and findings will be given to the Attorney General’s Office once complete.
The officer involved, whose identity remains private, is on administrative leave.