Protesters and supporters marched through Senatobia, Mississippi, on Friday afternoon, June 26, to honor the life of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley while also calling for answers and accountability in his death during a police involved shooting.
Kohen’s, mother and father, Vellesiya Wiley and Davion Williams, with the help of others, carried a banner that read “Rest in Heaven – Justice for Kohen Wiley,” as dozens of people marched from Walmart, where the baby was killed, to Senatobia City Hall. The Walmart was closed during the march as were other businesses along the rally route.
Kohen Wiley was struck by police fire on June 14, while sitting on his mother’s lap on the pᴀssenger side of a vehicle being driven by another woman in the Walmart parking lot. Officers were responding to a suspect shoplifting call.
Marquelle Bridges, president and founder of Building Bridges Coalition in Memphis, led the crowd with a bullhorn, shouting “say his name.” Members of Black Lives Matter Memphis also participated in the march along with organizations from other cities across the country.
The march came ahead of visitation services for Kohen Friday evening at West Gilmore Church of Christ.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at Hosanna Family Worship Center in Pope, Mississippi.