Mississippi Officer on Leave After Fatal Shooting of Toddler

A police officer in Mississippi has been placed on administrative leave following the fatal shooting of one-year-old Kohen Wiley. The incident occurred outside a Walmart in Senatobia on Sunday.

According to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Wiley was in a vehicle with his mother and her friend when police attempted to stop them on suspicion of shoplifting. The driver reportedly drove toward the officers, nearly hitting one. In response, an officer fired at the vehicle as it drove away. Wiley was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital by the two women.

The officer involved has not been named but was placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure in such cases. The city of Senatobia confirmed this action during a Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting held on Tuesday night.

Protests have erupted outside the Walmart in the wake of the shooting. Demonstrators gathered again on Tuesday night and were dispersed by law enforcement using tear gas, according to Action News 5.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Kohen Wiley’s family, issued a statement on X. He expressed concerns about the shooting, highlighting that the child’s mother was not charged and was reportedly attempting to communicate the presence of a baby in the car prior to the gunfire. Crump emphasized the family’s intent to seek justice for Wiley.

The Senatobia Police Department has pledged transparency, promising to release verified details as the investigation unfolds.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.