The great-grandmother of a young boy tragically killed by police gunfire has criticized the actions of law enforcement. Carolyn Stokes, 72, spoke about the incident where her 1-year-old great-grandson, Kohen Wiley, was shot and killed. This occurred outside a Walmart in Senatobia, Mississippi, as officers responded to a shoplifting call.
During an interview, Stokes questioned the decision made by police to fire at the vehicle. She asked why the officer drew a weapon for a shoplifting case and suggested the officer acted recklessly. Stokes expressed hope for justice, stating her belief in divine intervention to reveal the truth in time.
“It was reckless, it was unnecessary to be firing into a car,” Stokes told Newsweek.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. According to their report, as officers attempted to stop the car, the driver allegedly drove toward them, nearly hitting one of the officers. This led to the officer discharging their firearm, after which the vehicle fled the scene. The car later arrived at a local hospital, where Kohen Wiley was declared dead, and another passenger sustained critical injuries. No officers were reportedly injured in the incident.
Kohen was with his mother and her friend in the vehicle during the shooting. Marquell Bridges, an advocate, stated that Kohen’s mother did not partake in any crime. He explained on Facebook that she was simply playing with her child before the shooting.
Family members, including Carlo Haynes, Kohen’s grandfather, expressed their grief. Haynes shared his sadness about losing the opportunity to see Kohen grow and expressed his heartbreak over the child’s untimely death.
“Someone ended it all before it could even start,” Haynes told the Associated Press.
Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s spokesperson, Bailey Martin, noted that the investigation is ongoing, providing limited information.
Senatobia police have promised a complete and transparent investigation. They assured the public that verified facts will be shared as investigations proceed.