Senatobia, Mississippi — A community is searching for answers after a 1-year-old child was killed during a police-involved shooting that unfolded in a Walmart parking lot, turning what began as a reported shoplifting investigation into a deadly tragedy.
The child, identified by family members as Kohen Wiley, died after an officer fired at a vehicle carrying him and other family members as it attempted to leave the parking lot, according to authorities and relatives.
The incident has sparked an investigation and raised questions about the circumstances that led to the use of deadly force.
Shooting Occurred During Response to Reported Shoplifting
According to information released by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, officers from the Senatobia Police Department and the Tate County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of suspected shoplifting at a Walmart store.
Investigators said officers later located a vehicle believed to be connected to the incident as it was leaving the parking lot.
Authorities allege that while officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver accelerated toward law enforcement personnel and nearly struck an officer.
Officials said it was during that encounter that an officer discharged a firearm toward the vehicle.
The exact number of shots fired has not been publicly released.
Toddler Fatally Wounded, Woman Critically Injured
Family members told local media that Kohen was inside the vehicle with his mother and aunt when the shooting occurred.
According to relatives, the toddler was being held by his mother in the front passenger seat at the time.
Another woman inside the vehicle suffered critical injuries, although authorities have not publicly confirmed her identity.
Video obtained by local news outlets reportedly showed damage to the vehicle, including a bullet hole in the windshield and shattered passenger-side glass.
After the shooting, family members drove to a nearby hospital seeking emergency treatment.
Despite efforts to save him, Kohen later died from his injuries.
Family Questions How Incident Escalated
The child’s relatives say they are struggling to understand how a response to a reported theft investigation resulted in a deadly shooting involving a toddler.
Family members also challenged speculation regarding allegations that the women were stealing diapers from the store.
Kohen’s great-grandmother, Carolyn Stokes, said the family has received few answers about what happened.
“We don’t really know anything, why it happened or whatever. All we know is that car was shot up and a one-year-old baby was killed.”
His grandfather, Carlos Haynes, also called for accountability.
“I’m just at a loss for words, to be honest. Somebody needs to held accountable for it.”
The family continues to seek information about the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Witnesses Describe Chaotic Scene
Several witnesses reported seeing law enforcement activity in the parking lot before the shooting occurred.
One witness told local media she heard gunshots during the incident but initially assumed officers would not be firing weapons in a crowded retail parking lot during daytime hours.
Another witness claimed to have seen officers positioned in the area before the women exited the store, with one carrying a box of diapers and the other holding the child.
Investigators have not publicly commented on witness accounts while the case remains under review.
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State Investigation Now Underway
Following the shooting, the Senatobia Police Department transferred the investigation to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
The agency will examine evidence, witness statements, body-camera footage, and other materials to determine exactly what occurred.
Meanwhile, Tate County Sheriff Luke Shepherd said his department is conducting a separate internal review to determine whether any deputies involved should be placed on administrative leave while the investigation proceeds.
Authorities have not announced any charges or disciplinary actions related to the incident.
As investigators continue their work, the death of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley has left a grieving family and community awaiting answers about the events that unfolded in the Walmart parking lot.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should independent investigations automatically be required whenever a child is harmed during a police operation? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
