Mississippi Officer on Leave After Fatal Shooting of Toddler

A Mississippi police officer involved in the tragic shooting of one-year-old Kohen Wiley has been placed on administrative leave. Officials confirmed this action on Tuesday night.

The incident occurred outside a Walmart in Senatobia on Sunday, as reported by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. Wiley was inside a vehicle with his mother and a friend after they exited the store. Police attempted to stop the vehicle when the driver reportedly moved toward the officers, narrowly missing them. In response, an officer fired shots at the vehicle, which then fled the scene. The two women drove to a hospital, where Kohen was later pronounced dead.

The officer who fired the weapon remains unidentified but has been placed on administrative leave. This procedure follows standard protocol for shootings involving police officers.

“During the Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting tonight, it was discussed and decided that the officer involved in the incident on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Walmart, is on administrative leave,” stated the city of Senatobia on Facebook.

Meanwhile, protests continue outside the Walmart location, with demonstrators gathering again on Tuesday night. Law enforcement used tear gas to disperse the crowd, according to Action News 5.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the Wiley family, posted a statement on X: “A one-year-old child is dead after police officers in Mississippi opened fire on a vehicle in a crowded Walmart parking lot in Senatobia. His mother, not charged with any crime, stated she attempted to inform officers there was a baby in the car. Despite this, they fired, resulting in the death of an innocent toddler. We will pursue justice for baby Kohen and the life unjustly lost.”

The Senatobia Police Department, responsible for responding to the call, issued a statement on Sunday: “We are committed to full transparency. As the investigation progresses and facts are verified, we will share as much information as possible.”

This is an evolving story and updates will follow.