Mississippi AG Rules Fatal Police Shooting of One-Year-Old Justified 2026

The Mississippi attorney general's office has ruled the fatal police shooting of one-year-old Kohen Wiley as justified, sparking outrage and demands for accountability. The decision, announced Monday by Attorney General Lynn Fitch, comes four months after the baby was killed in Senatobia, Mississippi, during a police response to a shoplifting call.

What Happened in the Senatobia Shooting?

On June 14, officers in Senatobia, a small city near Memphis, responded to a report that two women had stolen a pack of diapers from a store. The women—Vellesiya Wiley, the baby's mother, and her friend Latoya Ferrell—were in a vehicle with Kohen when officers arrived. According to police reports, as the women began to leave the parking lot, officers drew their weapons. Wiley lifted the baby to show there was a child in the car. An officer, identified in other records as Sgt. Hunter Foster, fired into the vehicle, killing Kohen and wounding Ferrell.

Foster is white; both Wileys and Ferrell are Black. Neither woman has been charged with a crime, and officials have not released any evidence of shoplifting.

Why Did the Attorney General Rule the Shooting Justified?

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which investigated the shooting, alleged that the driver "drove in the direction of the officers, almost striking one." Attorney General Fitch's office cited this account in concluding that the shooting was justified. The ruling means no charges will be filed against the officer involved.

However, the family's attorney, civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, released an independent autopsy that indicated Wiley was shot from the side of the car, not the front. This contradicts the officers' account and raises serious questions about the justification for lethal force.

Who Is Affected by This Decision?

The ruling directly affects the Wiley family, who are seeking justice for their son. It also impacts the broader community in Senatobia and across Mississippi, where trust in law enforcement is fragile. The decision sets a precedent for how police shootings involving young children are handled in the state.

Additionally, the case has drawn national attention, with civil rights advocates pointing to racial disparities in policing. The fact that the officer is white and the victims are Black adds a layer of racial tension to an already tragic situation.

What Evidence Contradicts the Official Account?

Ben Crump's independent autopsy is a key piece of evidence that challenges the official narrative. According to Crump, the autopsy shows Kohen was shot from the side, not the front, which undermines the claim that the driver was trying to run over officers. This discrepancy could be crucial in any potential legal action or further investigation.

Moreover, no evidence of the alleged shoplifting has been made public, and neither woman has been charged. This raises questions about whether the police response was proportionate to the initial call.

What Are the Legal and Social Implications?

The ruling highlights the broad discretion prosecutors have in deciding whether to charge officers involved in fatal shootings. In Mississippi, the attorney general has significant authority in such cases, and the decision to rule the shooting justified effectively closes the criminal justice avenue for the family.

However, the family may pursue civil litigation. The independent autopsy and the lack of shoplifting evidence could strengthen a wrongful death lawsuit. The case also fuels ongoing debates about police use of force, especially when children are present.

What to Watch Next

The family and their legal team are expected to challenge the ruling. Ben Crump has a history of taking on high-profile civil rights cases and may push for federal intervention or a civil lawsuit. Community protests are likely to continue, putting pressure on local and state officials.

Meanwhile, the Mississippi attorney general's office may face scrutiny over its handling of the investigation. The case could also influence policy discussions about police training and the use of deadly force in situations involving vehicles and children.

FAQ

The ruling has also reignited debates over how state attorneys general handle police misconduct cases. Similar controversies have erupted over the confirmation of Todd Blanche as attorney general, with critics questioning his commitment to civil rights. For context on how these legal battles unfold, see our coverage of Todd Blanche confirmed as Attorney General in Senate vote and the Senate confirms Blanche as Attorney General amid corruption allegations.

As the Wiley family seeks justice, their case intersects with broader national conversations about law enforcement accountability. The 13-year-old hero calls 911 after Michigan shooting rampage highlights how young people are often caught in the crossfire of gun violence. Meanwhile, the Attorney General's legal strategy for protecting midterm elections shows how AGs shape national policy beyond individual cases.

The outcome of this case could also influence how other states handle police shootings involving children. For instance, the Sydney shooting that left an 11-year-old boy dead prompted similar calls for police reform. Back in the U.S., the Senate delays on Todd Blanche's attorney general vote reflect the political stakes of law enforcement leadership. And as abortion rights face threats from Trump's new attorney general, the broader struggle over civil liberties continues.