Kohen Wiley Obituary: SENATOBIA, MS — Family members, friends, and community residents across north Mississippi and the Memphis area are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Kohen Kartier Wiley, a 1-year-old boy who died on Sunday, June 14, 2026, after being struck during an officer-involved shooting outside a Walmart in Senatobia, Mississippi. The toddler’s sudden and violent death has left his family devastated and has sparked outrage, protest, and renewed scrutiny of the Senatobia Police Department’s handling of incidents involving children.
According to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, officers with the Senatobia Police Department and deputies with the Tate County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported shoplifting call at the Walmart on U.S. 51 shortly after 2 p.m. Kohen’s mother and a friend had reportedly left the store with a box of diapers; officers on scene suspected shoplifting. Authorities say that as officers attempted to stop the vehicle the two women were in, the driver moved toward officers in a way that placed them at risk, prompting one officer to fire at the car. A witness who spoke to local media, however, said law enforcement was already positioned in the parking lot when the women exited the store, and recalled hearing two gunshots as the vehicle pulled away.
Kohen was inside the car when the bullets struck it. The two women drove him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His mother was physically unharmed, while the friend riding with her was critically injured. The Senatobia Police Department confirmed in a statement that the case has been turned over to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which will submit its findings to the state attorney general’s office. Walmart also issued a statement saying the company was saddened by what happened at its Senatobia store.
Kohen’s family says they have been left with more questions than answers in the days since his death. His grandfather, Carlos Haynes, told local outlets simply, “I just want justice.” In a separate interview, Haynes added that someone needs to be held accountable, saying, “Somebody needs to be held accountable for it. It’s just not right.” Kohen’s great-grandmother, Carolyn Stokes, said the family has struggled to get information from authorities and voiced frustration with how the department has handled past incidents involving local children. Other relatives, including LaSandra Williams, have echoed the family’s demand that everyone involved in the shooting be held responsible.
Community advocate Marquell Bridges, founder of the Building Bridges Coalition, has stepped in to help the family secure legal representation as the investigation continues. The shooting has also renewed attention on a 2023 incident in which Senatobia officers took a 10-year-old Black child, Quantavious Eason, into custody under controversial circumstances, fueling broader concern about how the department interacts with children in the community. Community members organized a gathering in Senatobia on June 16 to demand transparency and push city officials for answers.
Kohen is remembered by relatives as a happy, joyful baby who loved being around his family. Haynes has spoken of looking forward to watching his grandson grow up, a future now cut tragically short. As the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation continues its review, Kohen’s family says their focus remains on seeking accountability and ensuring his short life is not forgotten.
Funeral arrangements for Kohen Wiley are being handled by Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation Society in Memphis, Tennessee. Family and friends wishing to express condolences, send flowers, or learn about service details may contact the funeral home directly at (901) 377-3543.
Our thoughts remain with Kohen Wiley’s family, his mother, grandparents, and all who loved him during this unimaginably difficult time. May he rest in peace.
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