The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus has demanded clearer communication and accountability in the investigation into 1-year-old Kohen Wiley’s June 14 shooting by Senatobia police. In an open letter to Attorney General Lynn Fitch and Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell, the caucus called for a single point of contact and regular updates for the family as the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation continues its probe. The case has renewed calls for greater transparency around body-camera footage and is expected to be addressed in the next legislative session.
Mississippi Black Caucus Demands Clear Answers After 1-Year-Old Kohen Wiley Shot by Senatobia Police
Kohen Wiley (Photo provided by Family)
Nearly two months after 1-year-old Kohen Wiley was shot and killed by Senatobia police, the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus is pressing state officials for greater transparency and better communication with the child’s family.
Open Letter Seeks Action
In a public statement released Monday, caucus leaders said they sent an open letter to Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch and Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. The letter raises concerns about how the investigation is being handled and emphasizes an ongoing lack of direct updates to Kohen Wiley’s relatives.
"What we heard was unacceptable," Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Kabir Karriem said, summarizing feedback members received after meeting with Wiley’s family and their representatives.
What the Family Wants
The caucus is asking state officials to establish a single, clear point of contact for the family and to provide regular updates as the investigation continues. Family members still have unanswered questions nearly two months after the June 14 shooting, which occurred as officers responded to an alleged shoplifting call at a Walmart where Wiley and relatives were leaving the store.
"Kohen Wiley was only one year old. His family deserves answers, respect, and the assurance that the institutions investigating his death are accountable to the people they serve," Karriem said.
Broader Transparency Concerns
The case has intensified scrutiny over how law enforcement shootings are disclosed in Mississippi, particularly the handling and release of body-worn camera footage. Lawmakers and community leaders say this transparency issue will be part of the conversation during the upcoming legislative session.
Since the June 14 incident, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) has been conducting the official probe. The Black Caucus has joined the family and other community members in calling for clarity on whether the officers’ actions were appropriate and for answers to lingering questions surrounding the incident.
The caucus urged state leaders to prioritize communication and accountability so the family and the public can be confident the investigation is thorough and transparent.
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