Calls for Release of Police Footage in Kohen Wiley Case
A lawyer representing the family of Kohen Wiley, a one-year-old boy killed by police gunfire, is demanding the release of body camera footage. The call follows a statement from Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch’s office, which declared the shooting justified.
On June 14, a Senatobia police officer fatally shot Kohen during a response to a shoplifting call. The Attorney General’s Office reviewed the shooting and decided not to charge the officer involved. The incident sparked protests in Senatobia, adding to tensions over police interactions with Black residents.
Ben Crump, the civil rights attorney representing Kohen’s family, criticized the lack of transparency. Crump argued that without public access to the footage, the Attorney General’s decision could not be fully accepted. “This is a department with a history of racial issues,” Crump stated, referencing previous incidents involving the police.
Former Police Chief Harold Vanderford was recently fired due to reports of racial slurs in his messages. Crump emphasized that if the footage supports the Attorney General’s decision, it should be released. He vowed to continue fighting for the truth for Kohen’s family.
Attorney Martin Zummach, representing the officer, insists his client acted in self-defense. Zummach stated that the vehicle’s driver tried to harm the officers, forcing his client to fire.
Incident Overview
The shooting on June 14 involved Senatobia officers responding to a shoplifting call at Walmart. Kohen’s mother, Vellesiya Wiley, had left the store with Kohen and a friend. The police suspected them of stealing items, but Wiley denied these claims and faced no charges.
According to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the driver nearly hit an officer with the vehicle. An officer then fired shots, and the vehicle sped away. Wiley stated that as her friend reversed the car, officers drew their guns. She lifted Kohen to show them he was inside before multiple shots were fired, hitting Kohen and her friend.
Status of Body Camera Footage
Body camera footage from the incident has not been released. Authorities earlier stated it would remain confidential pending the investigation’s completion. Commissioner Sean Tindell of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety confirmed this policy, stating evidence would only be shared after the investigation’s closure.
Alex Gilbert from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety noted that requests for the footage require a records request. These requests will be assessed according to legal guidelines.