From Seattletimes · · 1m 10s
Mississippi AG says officer’s force was justified in 1-year-old’s death
Mississippi AG claims officer used force legally during Walmart shoplifting call that killed 1-year-old boy.
In brief
Mississippi AG claims officer used force legally during Walmart shoplifting call that killed 1-year-old boy. Mississippi attorney general says Senatobia officer’s use of force was justified after shooting 1-year-old Kohen Wiley during Walmart shoplifting response. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Mississippi AG says officer’s force was justified
Mississippi’s attorney general claims Senatobia officer used force legally during a Walmart shoplifting call that killed a 1-year-old boy.
“The conclusion of the state’s investigation into the shooting death of Kohen Wiley follows months of mourning and calls for justice, both nationally and in the small town where the shooting took place, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Memphis, Tennessee.”
Kohen Wiley’s mother denies shoplifting
Kohen’s mother Vellesiya Wiley denies stealing diapers or baby clothes with her friend at Walmart.
“Kohen’s mother has denied she or her friend stole anything”
Officer’s lawyer says driver tried to kill
Officer’s lawyer claims driver tried to kill officer and other officers present.
“He had no choice but to fire his weapon”
Family disputes officer’s account
Family says Kohen was shot from side of car, not front, contradicting police claims.
“How can anyone accept that conclusion when Kohen’s family and the public still have not been allowed to see the body-camera footage?”
Body-worn camera footage demanded
Family and activists demand release of body-worn camera footage to support officer’s justification.
“If the footage supports the state’s decision, release it. We will not stop fighting until this family gets the truth”
Experts question officer’s justification
Experts say shooting was almost certainly unjustified due to vehicle safety risks.
“This shooting was almost certainly unjustified”
Kohen’s death stokes tensions
Kohen’s death fuels rising tensions between Senatobia police and Black residents.
“The shooting is the latest in a string of incidents that has eroded trust between the Senatobia police department and the city’s Black residents”
The big picture
Mississippi attorney general says Senatobia officer’s use of force was justified after shooting 1-year-old Kohen Wiley during Walmart shoplifting response.
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