A lawyer representing the family of Kohen Wiley, a one-year-old boy killed by a police officer, has called for the release of body-worn camera footage. This follows Mississippi’s Attorney General Lynn Fitch stating that the shooting was justified. The attorney general’s office announced this decision on Monday after reviewing the June 14 incident, declaring that no criminal charges would be brought against the Senatobia officer involved.
Attorney General Fitch’s statement indicated that the use of force was deemed justified. Kohen’s death had earlier spurred protests and demands for justice in Senatobia. It highlighted recurring tensions between police officers and Black residents in the area.
Ben Crump, a well-known civil rights attorney representing Kohen’s family, questioned the justification without public access to the footage. He pointed out the lack of transparency, especially in light of the recent firing of Senatobia Police Chief Harold Vanderford. Vanderford faced termination due to his repeated use of racial slurs in text messages. Crump stated that if the footage supports the state’s decision, it should be made public.
Crump also referenced an independent autopsy that suggested the fatal shot came from the passenger-side window of the vehicle. This potentially contradicts police claims that the car was moving towards them. Meanwhile, Martin Zummach, the attorney for the officer involved, maintained that the attorney general’s decision confirmed his client’s actions were justified. He contended the vehicle’s driver posed a deadly threat to the officers.
Overview of the Incident
The incident unfolded on June 14 when Senatobia officers responded to a shoplifting call at a Walmart. Kohen’s mother, Vellesiya Wiley, was with her son and a friend, departing the store when police identified them as involved in theft. Wiley and her friend denied any wrongdoing and were not formally charged.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) released a statement soon after, stating that officers attempted to stop the vehicle. They noted the driver almost struck an officer, leading to shots being fired. Wiley has claimed in online videos that she tried to signal about the child in the car before shots rang out.
Unreleased Body Camera Footage
No video evidence has been released so far, including body camera footage or CCTV from the incident site. Authorities had previously indicated that footage would remain confidential until the MBI’s investigation was finalized. Commissioner Sean Tindell from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) stated the evidence would be examined post-investigation to determine if any charges were warranted.
Alex Gilbert, representing MDPS, noted that requests to access the footage can be made through official channels. He clarified that any such requests would be assessed under existing legal frameworks once the investigation concluded.
For further information, contact Newsweek editors John Fitzpatrick and Dave Siminoff.