On June 14, 2026, a police officer from the Senatobia Police Department shot and killed 1-year-old Kohen Kartier Wiley while responding to a shoplifting call at a Walmart in Senatobia, Mississippi. The incident also resulted in critical injuries to an adult. According to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, the shooting occurred as officers attempted to stop a vehicle that was allegedly driving toward them. A cellphone video obtained by Fox 13 Memphis shows a car leaving the scene, but does not capture the shooting itself. The vehicle had multiple bullet holes in the windshield, including one on the passenger side.
The DPS statement indicated that officers were aware of Kohen Wiley's presence before the shooting. The statement described the events, stating that officers encountered two individuals and a child fleeing the store and that an officer discharged their weapon after the vehicle drove in their direction. Kohen was pronounced dead at a local hospital, while another adult sustained critical injuries. No officers were reported injured.
Family members of Kohen Wiley have disputed the claim of shoplifting, stating that one woman was carrying a box of diapers and another was holding the child. Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle fleeing with police in pursuit just before the gunshots were heard. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Community members are planning a gathering at Senatobia City Hall on June 16, 2026, to demand accountability for the shooting. The Senatobia Police Department has stated that the investigation has been handed over to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and has promised transparency in the process. Walmart expressed sadness over the incident and stated they are cooperating with law enforcement during the investigation.