A lawyer representing the family of Kohen Wiley, a young boy killed during a police shooting in Mississippi, has urged the release of body camera footage. The call comes after the state’s attorney general declared the shooting justified. Kohen Wiley, only one year old, was shot when a police officer fired on a vehicle during a shoplifting response.
On Monday, Attorney General Lynn Fitch’s office announced that the investigation into the June 14 shooting was complete, and no criminal charges would be filed against the involved Senatobia police officer. “The use of force was justified,” stated the office, following protests and demands for justice from the Senatobia community.
Demands for Transparency
Ben Crump, a civil rights attorney, represents Kohen’s family and demands the video be released to substantiate the attorney general’s decision. He questioned accepting the conclusion without public access to the footage. Crump highlighted concerns over racial bias, as Senatobia’s police chief, Harold Vanderford, was recently fired for using racial slurs. Additionally, the officer involved faced a complaint regarding a racially offensive remark days before the shooting.
Crump argues, “If the footage supports the state’s decision, release it.” The attorney pushes to uncover the truth for Kohen’s family. He also pointed to an independent autopsy indicating the fatal shot came from the passenger side, challenging officers’ statements that the car was moving toward them.
Officer’s Defense
Martin Zummach, the attorney for the officer involved, defended his client, citing the attorney general’s findings to clear him of misconduct. He claims the vehicle’s driver threatened his client and other officers by driving toward them. “He had no choice but to fire,” said Zummach.
The Incident
The altercation on June 14 began when Senatobia police responded to a Walmart shoplifting call. Kohen’s mother, Vellesiya Wiley, was with her son, leaving the store with a friend. Police suspected theft of diapers and baby clothes, but Wiley denied the accusation. No charges have been filed against her or her friend.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation reported that officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver moved toward them, nearly striking one. Officers then fired, and the vehicle fled. Wiley, recounting the event, said her friend began reversing the car when she showed her son to police to reveal his presence. Several shots were fired, striking Kohen in the rib cage and injuring her friend.
Release of Footage
No footage from the incident, including body camera or CCTV, has been released. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety stated that the footage is withheld until the investigation concludes. Commissioner Sean Tindell confirmed that evidence, including body cam footage, would be disclosed post-investigation.
Alex Gilbert, a spokesman for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, stated that requests for footage could be made via a records request. “While the investigation is open, MDPS plans to release the incident report and related footage after the critical incident investigation,” he stated.
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