Mississippi police kill 1-year-old after officer fires at vehicle during shoplifting response

A one-year-old boy was killed and a woman seriously injured after a police officer opened fire on a vehicle following a reported shoplifting incident outside a Walmart store in northern Mississippi, authorities said.

The shooting took place on Sunday in Senatobia, a city roughly 40 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee. State investigators are now examining the circumstances that led to the child's death.

The child, identified by family members as Kohen Wiley, was travelling in the vehicle with his mother and one of her friends when the shooting took place. While the boy's mother escaped physical injury, the other woman suffered serious wounds, according to community advocate Marquell Bridges.

Bridges, who heads the Building Bridges Coalition and is assisting the family in securing legal representation, said the group had left the Walmart store before getting into the vehicle that later became involved in the confrontation with police.

Investigation underway

According to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI), officers were responding to a report of shoplifting when they attempted to stop the vehicle.

Investigators said the driver allegedly moved the vehicle towards officers and nearly struck one of them. An officer then discharged a weapon at the vehicle, which subsequently left the scene.

The occupants later drove to a nearby hospital, where Kohen was pronounced dead. The MBI has not released details regarding the exact cause of the child's death or how he was injured.

The state agency is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting.

Family mourns young victim

Kohen's grandfather, Carlos Haynes, spoke of the family's grief following the loss of the toddler.

“Someone ended it all before it could even start,” Haynes said.

He described his grandson as a cheerful child and said he had been looking forward to watching him grow up.

Police and officials offer limited comment

The Senatobia Police Department has provided few details while the investigation remains active.

“As the investigation progresses and facts are verified, we will share as much information as possible,” the department wrote in a Facebook post.

The department did not immediately respond to media requests seeking additional comment. The Tate County Sheriff's Office, whose deputies were also present during the incident, declined to discuss the case.

Walmart cooperating with investigators

Walmart said it is assisting authorities as they work to establish what happened.

“We’re saddened by what took place at our Senatobia, MS, store,” a Walmart spokesperson said in a statement.

Officials have not announced whether any officers have been placed on leave or whether charges related to the alleged shoplifting incident are being considered. The investigation remains ongoing.

(With agency inputs)