A police officer is placed on administrative leave after a shooting in Senatobia, Mississippi, where a 1-year-old boy, Kohen Wiley, was killed while officers were responding to a reported shoplifting incident. Multiple outlets say the shooting occurred in or near the parking lot of a Walmart. Reports describe the child being in a vehicle with his mother and her friend at the time of the incident. The shoplifting report involved allegations related to diapers, though the boy’s family disputes the allegation.
The killing triggers public anger and protests in the small community, where residents and civil rights advocates call for police accountability and greater transparency. Demonstrations include gatherings outside city hall and at or near the Walmart. NBC News and other outlets report that the incident draws heightened scrutiny of the department, in part because of other prior police encounters in the area that contributed to existing distrust. Some reports also describe law enforcement using tear gas to disperse protesters during earlier demonstrations.
Authorities and local officials say they are investigating the shooting, and demands continue for the release of information and footage related to the incident.
