Family of Kohen Wiley Outraged as State Declares Police Action Justified Without Contacting Them

The family of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley expressed deep anguish and outrage after Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch declared that police action was justified in the toddler's fatal shooting. The announcement came on Monday, concluding a months-long investigation into the incident without any prior communication with Wiley’s relatives.

On June 14, Kohen Wiley was shot by Senatobia Police Sgt. Hunter Foster outside a Walmart in Senatobi, Mississippi. The child died instantly while his mother, Vel’lesiya Wiley, held him in her lap as a passenger in the car where they were seated. This tragic event has sparked widespread protests and calls for justice from community organizers and activists.

The Attorney General’s Office concluded that the use of force was justified following an investigation by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI). However, this decision has been met with skepticism and frustration among those advocating for accountability. State Rep. Kabir Karriem, who chairs the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, criticized the lack of transparency and thoroughness in the investigation.

“Kohen Wiley was a baby,” said Karriem during an interview. “He posed no threat. He deserved protection, and he deserved a future.” The representative emphasized that the family deserves more than just a conclusion; they need detailed explanations about how such a tragic outcome could occur from a police encounter.

The MBI investigation has been contentious due to inconsistencies in its handling of evidence and communication with the victim's family. Despite claims of thoroughness, the bureau failed to interview Vel’lesiya Wiley before concluding their probe. This omission raises serious questions about the integrity and comprehensiveness of the investigation.

Veronica Roberson, Kohen’s grandmother, told Mississippi Today that she learned about the attorney general’s decision through social media rather than direct communication from state officials or investigators. The lack of engagement with the family has left them feeling marginalized and unheard during a critical period of mourning and seeking justice.

The incident log released by police provided minimal context regarding the shooting itself, focusing instead on an alleged shoplifting incident involving baby clothes and diapers. This detail did not shed light on why lethal force was deemed necessary in such a situation, especially given that Kohen Wiley was merely a passenger in his mother’s arms.

Community leaders and advocates continue to demand more information from authorities about how the shooting occurred and why it was deemed justified. They argue that transparency is crucial for rebuilding trust between law enforcement and communities of color, particularly after incidents like this one that have devastated families and neighborhoods.

As the investigation remains officially open but inactive according to recent statements by MBI Press Secretary Alex Gibert, calls for an independent review are growing louder. The family’s meeting with officials scheduled for later in the week is seen as a critical opportunity to address these concerns and provide closure to those affected by Kohen Wiley's death.

The case has drawn national attention due to its stark implications about police use of force and racial justice issues, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by communities seeking accountability from law enforcement.