Justice was a key theme at the funeral of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley. Hundreds gathered in Mississippi to remember the toddler killed by police. The incident, under investigation, has sparked calls for accountability.

Community Mourns

The Hosanna Family Worship Center in Pope was filled on Saturday with family, friends, and community members. Speakers paid tribute to Kohen’s life. Van Turner, a civil rights attorney for the Wiley family, led the crowd in chanting “justice for baby Kohen,” as reported by NBC News.

There is nothing in that Walmart store that is more precious than a baby, Turner stated.

Kohen’s funeral occurred nearly two weeks after a police officer from Senatobia fired at a vehicle outside Walmart. Authorities stated the incident started with a shoplifting call, and the vehicle allegedly nearly hit officers.

Honoring Kohen’s Memory

Family and friends commemorated Kohen as an energetic child. His burial included a stuffed Bluey toy. His mother, Vellesiya Wiley, held another Bluey toy, as NBC reported.

A social media video showed Kohen’s Bluey-themed casket in a white horse-drawn carriage. Nearly 300 people attended the service, according to Mississippi station WLOX. It started at 2:00 p.m. local time.

Members of Black Lives Matter Birmingham Grass Roots traveled to support the family, as Memphis station WREG stated. A planned candlelight vigil was canceled due to an administrative issue, according to the Building Bridges Coalition.

The Shooting Incident

The incident happened on June 14 following a shoplifting report at Walmart. Officers approached a car with Kohen and two adults trying to leave the parking lot. Mississippi Department of Public Safety said the driver accelerated toward officers, causing an officer to shoot into the car. Kohen was hit and passed away due to his injuries.

Kohen’s family disputes this account. His mother claimed she showed officers there was a child in the car. She stated the car was reversing, not moving toward police, when shots were fired. The family’s legal team, including Ben Crump, denies any theft and demands police and surveillance footage release.

Regarding the footage, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation told Newsweek they aim for 6-9 months to complete investigations, stressing this case is prioritized. Findings will go to the Attorney General’s Office post-investigation.

The officer involved, currently unidentified, is on administrative leave.