Family of 1-Year-Old Boy Seeks Independent Autopsy After Mississippi Police Shooting
Cyberzenhub.com – The family of a 1-year-old boy, Kohen Wiley, who was fatally shot by a Mississippi police officer near a Walmart in Senatobia, has decided to commission an independent autopsy to investigate the incident thoroughly. His attorney, Ben Crump, highlighted the family’s commitment to transparency during a press conference on June 22, 2026, stating that they aim to ensure clarity in the circumstances of the child’s death.
Incident Overview and Initial Findings
The shooting occurred on June 14, 2026, when officers responded to a shoplifting report. According to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the officers encountered a vehicle containing two adults and a 1-year-old boy fleeing the store. The boy, Kohen Wiley, was reportedly in the car with his mother and a family friend. During the stop, one officer fired shots, leading to Kohen’s fatal injury and a critical wound to the adult. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety confirmed the details in an official statement.
Kohen’s mother, Vellesiya Wiley, shared her emotional account at the press event. “I watched my baby take his first breath, and I watched my baby take his last breath,” she said, detailing the trauma of witnessing her son’s death. The family friend, who was also in the vehicle, suffered serious injuries. Crump noted the mother’s ongoing distress, including panic attacks since the incident, underscoring the family’s emotional investment in uncovering the truth.
Push for Independent Verification
Ben Crump emphasized the family’s desire for an external review, stating, “When a baby is killed in a police shooting, the family should never have to wonder whether they are getting the full story. This is how we make sure they get the full story.” He argued that the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has not released incident footage, making an independent autopsy essential for analyzing the child’s injuries and verifying the events.
“It is no doubt, it is no question, it is no mystery as to what killed 1-year-old baby Kohen, but we want the independent autopsy so we can verify the facts,” Crump added. “The information is particularly important in understanding the circumstances of the shooting, especially since the footage has not been made public yet.”
The independent autopsy is expected to provide critical evidence regarding the sequence of events. Crump mentioned that preliminary results will be available by July 1, following Kohen’s funeral held on Saturday. The family has retained Crump’s law firm to pursue accountability and ensure no discrepancies exist in the official account of the incident.
Investigation and Official Statements
Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell addressed the situation during a press briefing on June 16, 2026, vowing to conduct a thorough inquiry. “To make no mistake, this is a very tragic situation,” Tindell stated. “I want the public to be assured that the bureau will do its job thoroughly.” He noted that five agents are currently working on the case, gathering evidence and testimonies from witnesses.
Tindell explained that security footage from Walmart is being reviewed as part of the investigation. However, he declined to share specific details about the shooting, emphasizing the need for a complete analysis. The family’s request for an independent autopsy adds pressure to the process, as they seek to confirm the officer’s actions and the child’s condition at the time of the incident.
Community and Media Response
The case has drawn significant attention from local and national media, with images of Kohen Wiley circulating widely during the press event. The family’s decision to pursue an independent autopsy has galvanized public support, highlighting their determination to seek justice and accountability for the loss of a 1-year-old boy. Community members expressed outrage and called for transparency, as the incident raises questions about police conduct in high-stress situations.
As the investigation continues, the family remains focused on uncovering the full story. Their pursuit of an independent autopsy underscores the importance of verifying facts, especially in cases involving young victims. The outcome of this process could shape public perception and inform future discussions about police accountability in Mississippi.
