A GoFundMe has been launched to help the family of a 1-year-old who was killed in an officer-involved shooting in Senatobia.
Kohen Wiley was fatally shot on June 14 after law enforcement responded to a reported shoplifting incident at the local Walmart. According to authorities, Wiley’s mother and another unidentified woman attempted to leave the scene after officers arrived, and the driver nearly struck officers with the vehicle.
As the vehicle was leaving the parking lot, an officer with the Senatobia Police Department fired at it. The passenger was injured, and Wiley was killed.
Days after the incident, Christopher Williams created an online fundraiser to support the family as they grieve.
“Kohen brought so much joy to those around him, and his loss has left a void that can never be filled. His parents, especially his mom and dad, are struggling to cope with this unimaginable tragedy and are seeking justice for their beloved son,” Williams wrote on the GoFundMe‘s page.
According to the fundraiser, the proceeds will help ease the financial burden of funeral expenses as the Wiley family prepares to lay the toddler to rest.
“This money will help the family tremendously. As we all know, burying your loved ones can be costly emotionally as well as monetarily. Although this won’t bring back their baby boy, this will help smooth the process and help them in their time of grief,” Williams continued. “The family asks for your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this heartbreaking loss, and they hope for justice to be served on behalf of Kohen.”
The officer involved in Wiley’s death has been placed on leave. Meanwhile, public outrage over the shooting continues. Tear gas was deployed on protesters outside the Walmart on Tuesday.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has taken over the case and will turn its findings over to the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office.