The family of a 1-year-old boy who was fatally shot by police at a Walmart in Mississippi is calling for the immediate release of body camera footage, hoping to shed light on the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Incident Overview
Kohen Wiley, of Senatobia, Mississippi, was killed on June 22, 2026, when officers responded to a call at a Walmart store. According to authorities, the child was struck by gunfire during an encounter involving law enforcement. The exact sequence of events remains unclear, and the family has expressed deep frustration over the lack of transparency.
Veronica Roberson, the child's grandmother, provided a photo of Kohen to the Associated Press, describing him as a joyful toddler who loved playing with his toys. She stated, "We just want answers. We want to see what happened to our baby." The family has retained legal counsel and is pressing for the release of all available video evidence.
Legal and Community Response
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the incident, but no official timeline for the release of footage has been announced. Local civil rights groups have joined the family's call, urging the police department to act swiftly. "Transparency is essential to maintain public trust," said a spokesperson for the Mississippi NAACP.
This case has reignited debates about police use of force, particularly involving young children. The Walmart where the incident occurred has been closed temporarily, and grief counselors have been made available to witnesses and employees.
Broader Context
The shooting comes amid heightened national scrutiny of police interactions with civilians. According to data from the Washington Post, more than 1,000 people are shot and killed by police in the United States annually, with a small but tragic number involving minors. The family's demand for video evidence aligns with a growing movement for police accountability.
Kohen's mother, who has not been named publicly, is reportedly devastated. "No parent should ever have to bury their child like this," Roberson added. The family plans to hold a vigil in Senatobia this weekend.
