Family of 1-year-old boy fatally shot by officer in Mississippi to conduct independent autopsy, attorney says
Family of 1-Year-Old Boy Requests Independent Autopsy After Mississippi Police Shooting
Independent Autopsy Aimed at Ensuring Transparency
Family of 1 year old boy fatally - The family of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, who was fatally shot by a Mississippi police officer, is seeking an independent autopsy to uncover the full story of the incident. Attorney Ben Crump, representing the family, announced the plan during a press event, stressing the importance of verifying the facts surrounding the child’s death. The independent autopsy will examine the entry and exit wounds on Kohen’s body, a critical detail in understanding the events that led to his tragic loss. This move is intended to ensure no stone is left unturned in the investigation, especially as the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has not yet released the incident’s footage.
Crump emphasized that the family’s decision to pursue an independent review reflects their determination to seek clarity and accountability. “When a baby is killed in a police shooting, the family should never have to wonder whether they are getting the full story,” he said. The attorney highlighted that the family has several unanswered questions, including the exact sequence of events and the number of shots fired. The independent autopsy is seen as a crucial step in addressing these concerns and providing the public with a complete account of what transpired during the encounter.
“It is no doubt, no question, no mystery as to what killed 1-year-old baby Kohen, but we want the independent autopsy so we can verify the facts,” Crump stated. The attorney added that the family’s request underscores their commitment to transparency, even as they grapple with the emotional impact of losing their child.
Shooting Details and Initial Response
The incident occurred on June 14 when officers responded to a report of shoplifting at a Walmart in Senatobia, Mississippi. According to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the group of adults and the child were allegedly fleeing the store with merchandise. The officers approached the vehicle, and during the confrontation, one police officer fired shots, resulting in the child’s death and a serious injury to an adult. The family’s friend, who was driving the car, and the mother of the child were hospitalized following the shooting.
Kohen’s mother, Vellesiya Wiley, described the moment of the shooting during the press event, recounting how she tried to show the officers that her child was in the vehicle. “After I lowered him, I believe the officer fired three to four shots,” she said, expressing her disbelief at the events that led to her son’s death. The family’s emotional response highlights the urgency of their request for an independent examination of the circumstances.
“I watched my baby take his first breath, and I watched my baby take his last breath,” Wiley shared. “I’m still in complete disbelief about the traumatic event that occurred and took my one and only child, baby Kohen.”
Officials’ Commitment to Investigating the Case
Commissioner Sean Tindell of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety confirmed the agency’s involvement in the investigation, stating their dedication to transparency. “This is a very tragic situation,” he said during a press briefing on June 16. Tindell assured the public that the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation will complete its review and release body-camera footage once the findings are finalized. However, the family’s decision to take matters into their own hands reflects their belief that additional scrutiny is necessary to ensure justice.
While the official investigation is ongoing, the family’s independent autopsy request aims to complement the work of the state authorities. Crump pointed out that the lack of immediate footage has fueled concerns about the thoroughness of the process. “We want to verify the facts of the entry wound to the baby’s body and the exit wound,” he reiterated, emphasizing the need for precise evidence in determining the cause of death. The attorney also noted that the family’s actions are a proactive measure to address any gaps in the information provided by the authorities.
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety confirmed that five agents are actively working on the case, collecting evidence and witness statements. Tindell acknowledged the community’s frustration with the delayed release of information but urged patience as the investigation unfolds. The agency plans to provide a comprehensive report once all details are compiled, which the family hopes will align with their findings from the independent autopsy.