The heartbreaking case of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, who was fatally sH๏τ by a Senatobia police officer during a response to a shoplifting call at a local Walmart, continues to generate significant public attention and demands for transparency and accountability in Mississippi. A newly released independent autopsy, commissioned by the child’s family and presented by prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump, has introduced critical details that appear to contradict the initial statements provided by law enforcement authorities.

According to the preliminary findings detailed at a July 1, 2026, press conference held at the Senatobia Church of Christ, forensic pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell conducted the independent examination. The report concludes that Kohen died from a gunsH๏τ wound to the torso. Crucially, the bullet entered from the right side of the child’s chest and exited from the left side. This trajectory strongly suggests the sH๏τ was fired from the side of the vehicle rather than from the front, as officers had previously alleged.

Kohen was in the front pᴀssenger seat, held in his mother’s arms, when the shooting occurred on June 14, 2026. Family attorneys highlighted “pseudo-stippling” patterns on the child’s body—marks caused by glᴀss fragments from the shattered side window—as key evidence supporting their claim. Attorney Crump explained that these patterns differ from standard powder stippling and align with the bullet pᴀssing through the tempered side glᴀss rather than the laminated windshield. Diagrams and descriptions shared during the press event (with sensitive images of the wounds not publicly released by the outlet) further illustrated the entry and exit points.

This new forensic information challenges the police narrative that the officer fired in self-defense after the driver allegedly steered the vehicle toward officers, nearly striking one. “God help them if it’s not a life-or-death situation and you sH๏τ into a moving vehicle with an infant baby,” Crump stated during the conference. “How do you justify that?” Family attorney Van Turner added that releasing surveillance and bodycam footage earlier could have clarified these details immediately, criticizing Walmart and the Senatobia Police Department for delays.

As of mid-July 2026, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) continues its probe into the incident. Some internal police reports have been made public, but key video evidence—including bodycams, dashcams, and store surveillance—has not been released. Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell previously indicated that footage might remain withheld until the investigation concludes, potentially taking up to a year. Community members and the family have expressed frustration over this timeline, with protests occurring in Senatobia and calls for faster justice.

Kohen’s family has described the toddler as a source of immense joy, known for his bright smile and playful nature. He particularly loved pushing a small toy lawnmower that blew bubbles. His death has left a profound void, with relatives and supporters maintaining memorials at the Walmart site and advocating for systemic changes in police practices, especially regarding encounters involving children and vulnerable situations.

The case has drawn national scrutiny, amplifying ongoing discussions about police accountability, the use of ᴅᴇᴀᴅly force, and transparency in investigations. Attorneys for the family continue to push for the full release of all evidence and a thorough review of the officer’s actions. No officers have been charged at this time, and the investigation remains active.

This independent autopsy represents a pivotal development, offering the family and the public additional insights while underscoring the importance of independent verification in high-profile cases involving law enforcement.

Primary Source:  Full link: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/independent-autopsy-shows-officer-sH๏τ-1-year-old-kohen-wiley-from-side-family-attorney-says/