Hundreds gathered in Mississippi to mourn Kohen Wiley, the toddler fatally shot by police during a recent incident still under investigation. The funeral took place at Hosanna Family Worship Center in Pope, where attendees remembered Kohen and called for accountability.
Civil rights attorney Van Turner, representing Kohen’s family, led chants of “justice for baby Kohen,” emphasizing the value of life over property. The incident involved police firing on a vehicle in response to a shoplifting call at a Walmart, claiming the vehicle nearly hit the officers. The investigation by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation continues, with body-camera footage expected in the future.
The service celebrated Kohen’s short life, remembering him as energetic. He was buried with a stuffed Bluey toy, a symbol of love and innocence cherished by his family.
A video shared on social media showed Kohen’s Bluey-themed casket carried by a horse-drawn carriage. The service, attended by around 300 people, took place at 2:00 p.m., with Black Lives Matter Birmingham Grass Roots showing support. A planned candlelight vigil was canceled due to administrative issues.
The shooting happened on June 14 when Senatobia police responded to a shoplifting report. Officers engaged a vehicle with Kohen and two adults as it left the Walmart parking lot. Authorities claim the vehicle accelerated toward them, justifying the officer’s decision to fire. However, Kohen’s mother disputes this, stating the vehicle was reversing. Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump challenges theft allegations, pressing for the release of body-camera footage.
The investigation aims for completion within 6-9 months, as explained by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation spokesperson, with results going to the Attorney General’s Office once concluded. The officer is currently on administrative leave.
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