Mississippi Black lawmakers are demanding transparency from law enforcement agencies investigating the police shooting of a 1-year-old boy in Senatobia. After two months of silence, the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus called for “direct, timely and ongoing updates” on the investigation, which seeks to determine if officers involved will face criminal charges, according to a letter from caucus chairman Rep. Kabir Karriem.
The family of Kohen Wiley, the toddler shot and killed in a Walmart parking lot in June, has expressed frustration over the lack of communication. Veronica Shanell, Wiley’s grandmother, said no one from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation had contacted the family. She posted on Facebook asking for witnesses to come forward, saying, “I just want answers that’s all!”
In an open letter, Karriem criticized authorities for what he called “unacceptable” communication. He urged the state attorney general and the Department of Public Safety to establish a liaison to keep the family informed and to avoid leaving them in the dark. Wiley’s mother, Vellesiya Wiley, was holding him when he was shot, and neither has been charged with a crime.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation initially released incorrect information, identifying Sgt. Hunter Foster, a Senatobia officer, as the investigation subject. Foster, who is white, has been placed on leave since the shooting. Authorities have not confirmed whether Foster fired his weapon. Foster previously faced allegations of racial remarks and exaggerating threats during traffic stops, according to records obtained by Mississippi Today.
Lawyers representing Wiley’s family are calling for the release of body and dashboard camera footage. They also announced plans for an independent autopsy, citing the need to uncover answers. Surveillance footage shows no evidence that Wiley’s car nearly hit officers, contradicting police claims that the driver almost ran over an officer.
Meanwhile, witness Desirae Smith, who filmed officers moments after the shooting, said law enforcement has not contacted her. She expressed concern that authorities are letting the case fade from public attention. Despite multiple requests, authorities have declined to release police body camera footage, while Walmart has refused to share surveillance videos, stating they have been turned over to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
Karriem noted that the case highlights broader issues with Mississippi’s rules regarding the release of body-camera footage. He pledged that the Black Caucus would address this topic during the next legislative session.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
