Senatobia police have not released details about the shooting death of a 1-year-old boy outside a Walmart, despite repeated requests for public records, according to a report by Mississippi Today.
The incident occurred June 14 when police responded to an alleged shoplifting incident involving the child’s mother and her friend. During the confrontation, a police officer fired into a vehicle as it drove away, striking and killing the toddler, Kohen Wiley, family members said.
Attorneys representing the boy’s family said law enforcement officials have denied access to body-worn and dashboard camera footage, as well as surveillance videos from the store. They added that authorities told them evidence would only be shared after the investigation concludes, which could take months.
On Thursday morning, a reporter visited the Senatobia Police Department requesting the incident report, which law mandates be made public under Mississippi law. The report typically includes details such as responding officers’ names, the nature of the response, and other relevant information.
A police sergeant identified only as Hampton refused to provide the report, citing the ongoing investigation. He told the reporter he could not “release, show or divulge” any information related to the case. When pressed for his full name, he repeatedly declined, stating only that his name was “Sergeant.”
The reporter has since filed a public records request with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, citing the law that mandates the release of law enforcement incident reports, regardless of active investigations.
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
