🔴 LIVE Last updated: September 19, 2026 at 15:53 UTC
Kemetic Minds is tracking every verified development in the case of Kohen Wiley, the 1-year-old killed by a Senatobia, Mississippi police officer on June 14, 2026. This page refreshes automatically as new developments are confirmed — newest update at the top.
Figure 1
When these stories broke
Note. Built from the verified updates on this page; each entry cites its own named source.
Figure 2
Who is covering this
Note. Built from the verified updates on this page; each entry cites its own named source.
Figure 3
Connecting the dots: names that keep appearing together
Note. Built from the verified updates on this page; each entry cites its own named source. A line means two names appeared in the same sourced story — it shows overlap in the coverage, not a proven connection between them.
MBI turns findings of Kohen Wiley investigation over to Attorney General's Office
MBI turns findings of Kohen Wiley investigation over to Attorney General's Office
Source: localmemphis.com
Investigation into fatal toddler shooting in Mississippi is now on AG's desk, Senatobia police chief confirms
Investigation into fatal toddler shooting in Mississippi is now on AG's desk, Senatobia police chief confirms
Source: Verite News
Mississippi attorney general reviewing case of baby shot, killed by police
Mississippi attorney general reviewing case of baby shot, killed by police
Source: The Commercial Appeal
Senatobia interim police chief says Attorney General's Office has findings on Kohen Wiley shooting investigation
Senatobia interim police chief says Attorney General's Office has findings on Kohen Wiley shooting investigation
Source: localmemphis.com
Mississippi Black mom was accused of stealing diapers from Walmart. Then her 1yo baby was shot in the parking lot
A Mississippi mom faced a shoplifting accusation at Walmart before police opened fire on the car carrying her 1-year-old son.
Source: Bing News
Police chief fired amid controversy in aftermath of child’s shooting in a small Mississippi city – New York Amsterdam News
Police chief fired amid controversy in aftermath of child’s shooting in a small Mississippi city New York Amsterdam News
Source: New York Amsterdam News
INSIDE SENATOBIA’S UNRESOLVED TRAGEDY AND MISSISSIPPI’S ENTANGLED POLICE OVERSIGHT – Substack
INSIDE SENATOBIA’S UNRESOLVED TRAGEDY AND MISSISSIPPI’S ENTANGLED POLICE OVERSIGHT Substack
Source: Substack
Senatobia Police Chief Fired Over Racist Texts After Toddler Shot – balleralert.com
Senatobia Police Chief Fired Over Racist Texts After Toddler Shot balleralert.com
Source: balleralert.com
Senatobia police chief fired after being exposed for sending racist text messages following the fatal shooting of a 1-year-old boy in the city
The police chief of a city in Mississippi where an officer shot and killed a 1-year-old boy has been fired after he was exposed for sending racist text messages. Per ABC News, authorities said …
Source: Bing News
Senatobia police chief fired after being exposed for sending racist text messages following the fatal shooting of a 1-year-old boy in the city
The police chief of a city in Mississippi where an officer shot and killed a 1-year-old boy has been fired after he was exposed for sending racist text messages. Per ABC News, authorities said …
Source: Bing News
Senatobia police chief fired after being exposed for sending racist text messages following the fatal shooting of a 1-year-old boy in the city
Senatobia, Mississippi, Police Chief Harold Vanderford was fired after he was exposed for sending racist text messages.
Source: Bing News
Senatobia Police Chief Fired Over Racist Texts After Toddler Shot – Baller Alert
Senatobia Police Chief Fired Over Racist Texts After Toddler Shot Baller Alert
Source: Baller Alert
Mississippi police chief is sacked over a 'racist moment' as slain toddler's family demands answers
Leaders of the northern Mississippi city of Senatobia fired their Mississippi police chief on 1 September 2026. The dismissal came days after journalists reported allegations that Chief Harold …
Source: Bing News
Mississippi police chief is sacked over a 'racist moment' as slain toddler's family demands answers
Leaders of the northern Mississippi city of Senatobia fired their Mississippi police chief on 1 September 2026. The dismissal came days after journalists reported allegations that Chief Harold …
Source: Bing News
Mississippi Police Chief Is Sacked Over a 'Racist Moment' as Slain Toddler's Family Demands Answers – International Business Times UK
Mississippi Police Chief Is Sacked Over a 'Racist Moment' as Slain Toddler's Family Demands Answers International Business Times UK
Source: International Business Times UK
Ben Crump Responds To Firing Of Senatobia Police Chief, Renews Demand For Kohen Wiley Footage
Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family of Kohen Wiley, is …
Source: Bing News
After Toddler Shooting, Outlets Find Police Chief's Racist Texts
"The racist language that cost Chief Vanderford his job is exactly why this family cannot simply be told to trust the process," Crump says, urging police to release the footage and "give this family …
Source: Bing News
Police chief in Mississippi city where 1-year-old boy was fatally shot is fired over alleged racial slurs in texts
The police chief of a northern Mississippi city where 1-year-old Black child Kohen Wiley was shot and killed by police responding to a shoplifting call was fired Tuesday amid a new controversy.
Source: Bing News
After toddler shooting, outlets find police chief's racist texts
A north Mississippi police chief already under fire over the fatal shooting of a 1-year-old Black child has now been ousted over racist texts. Senatobia's Board of Aldermen voted unanimously Tuesday …
Source: Bing News
Police chief fired after racist texts, shooting of 1-year-old child
Senatobia, Mississippi’s police chief was fired after reports he sent racist texts, following the fatal shooting of one-year-old Kohen Wiley by a police officer …
Source: Bing News
Police chief fired over alleged racist texts after officer killed 1-year-old at Walmart
National civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, called Vanderford’s firing “the right decision.” …
Source: Bing News
Interim police chief appointed in Senatobia, MS
The city of Senatobia announced Thursday that it has appointed its interim police chief after the former police chief was fired Tuesday. In a social media post, city officials said …
Source: Bing News
Mississippi police chief fired after reports of racist texts following toddler’s fatal shooting
A Mississippi police chief was fired following reports of racist text messages and amid continuing scrutiny of a police shooting that killed a 1-year-old boy.
Source: Bing News
Police chief fired over alleged racist texts after officer killed 1-year-old at Walmart
National civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, called Vanderford’s firing “the right decision.” …
Source: Bing News
Police chief fired over alleged racist texts after officer killed 1-year-old at Walmart
Board of Aldermen voted unanimously this week to fire Police Chief Harold Vanderford and declined to accept his resignation letter. The decision followed reporting last month by The New York Times, …
Source: Bing News
Senatobia appoints interim police chief
The Senatobia Police Department announced Thursday, Sept. 3, that it has appointed an interim police chief to fille the role vacated when its former chief was fired Tuesday, Sept. 1. Lt. Angelica Maze …
Source: Bing News
Senatobia appoints new interim chief of police
SENATOBIA, Miss. – The city of Senatobia appointed a new interim chief of police, city officials said. Lt. Angelica Maze appointment took effect immediately. According to city officials, Maze has more …
Source: Bing News
Mississippi police chief fired after reports of racist texts following toddler’s fatal shooting
A Mississippi police chief was fired following reports of racist text messages and amid continuing scrutiny of a police shooting that killed a 1-year-old boy.
Source: Bing News
Police chief fired over alleged racist texts after officer killed 1-year-old at Walmart
National civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, called Vanderford’s firing “the right decision.” …
Source: Bing News
EXCLUSIVE: New Senatobia interim police chief releases statement after appointment
SENATOBIA, Miss. – The city of Senatobia appointed a new interim police chief, city officials said. Lt. Angelica Maze appointment took effect immediately. Her appointment comes after the former police …
Source: Bing News
Mississippi police chief fired after reports of racist texts following toddler’s fatal shooting
A Mississippi police chief was fired following reports of racist text messages and amid continuing scrutiny of a police shooting that killed a 1-year-old boy.
Source: Bing News
City of Senatobia appoints new interim police chief after former accused of texting racial slurs
The City of Senatobia has announced the appointment of Lt. Angelica Maze as Interim Chief of Police for the Senatobia Police Department.
Source: Bing News
Interim police chief appointed in Senatobia
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The city of Senatobia announced Thursday that it has appointed its interim police chief after the former police chief was fired Tuesday. In a social media post, city officials said …
Source: Bing News
Police chief fired after racist texts, shooting of 1-year-old child
Senatobia, Mississippi’s police chief was fired after reports he sent racist texts, following the fatal shooting of one-year-old Kohen Wiley by a police officer …
Source: Bing News
Police chief fired over alleged racist texts after officer killed 1-year-old at Walmart
National civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, called Vanderford’s firing “the right decision.” …
Source: Bing News
Mississippi police chief fired after reports of racist texts following toddler’s fatal shooting
A Mississippi police chief was fired following reports of racist text messages and amid continuing scrutiny of a police shooting that killed a 1-year-old boy.
Source: Bing News
Interim police chief appointed in Senatobia, MS
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The city of Senatobia announced Thursday that it has appointed its interim police chief after the former police chief was fired Tuesday. In a social media post, city officials said …
Source: Bing News
Police chief fired in city where officer fatally shot 1-year-old outside Walmart
Harold Vanderford was accused of using racist slurs in text messages.
Source: Bing News
Police chief fired over alleged racist texts after officer killed 1-year-old at Walmart – KATV
Police chief fired over alleged racist texts after officer killed 1-year-old at Walmart KATV
Source: KATV
Mississippi police chief fired after reports of racist texts following toddler’s fatal shooting – LiveNOW from FOX
Mississippi police chief fired after reports of racist texts following toddler’s fatal shooting LiveNOW from FOX
Source: LiveNOW from FOX
Police chief fired over alleged racist texts after officer killed 1-year-old at Walmart – WPDE
Police chief fired over alleged racist texts after officer killed 1-year-old at Walmart WPDE
Source: WPDE
‘Get Your Hands Off!’: Video of Mississippi Police Chief Grabbing Man by the Neck Resurfaces as Department Faces Scrutiny Over 1-Year-Old’s Killing
The fatal police shooting of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley has renewed scrutiny of the Senatobia Police Department, with residents pointing to previous …
Source: Bing News
Senatobia Police Chief terminated, according to city officials
ABC24 has reached out to city officials for additional information about what led to Vanderford's termination.
Source: Bing News
Senatobia police chief fired after racist texts surface
Senatobia fired its police chief after racist text messages surfaced as the family of Kohen Wiley continues to seek answers in the 1-year-old's fatal police shooting.
Source: Bing News
Officer Hunter Foster accused of directing a racist remark at a colleague two days before the shooting
An internal complaint obtained by Mississippi Today alleges that two days before the June 14 shooting, Senatobia Police Sgt. Hunter Foster — now publicly named for the first time in connection with the case — called a fellow officer, Dexter Smith, “a Black motherf—ker” in the department’s booking room. Smith resigned about a month after filing the complaint, writing in his resignation email that the lack of “any meaningful response or resolution” to the incident played a role in his decision to leave.
Officer publicly named as Hunter Foster for the first time as residents demand firing and murder charges at city council meeting
Residents packed a Senatobia Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday night, demanding the termination and prosecution of the officer involved. “This isn’t going away. He put a bullet through a child, and you sent him home with pay,” said activist Patrick Lumumba, who was the first to publicly name the officer as Hunter Foster, saying the board “refuse[s] to fire Hunter Foster for mismanaging his gun” while it would fire a park manager over lesser mistakes. Speakers also pressed for the release of body-camera video and questioned how Foster, who they said had a prior legal case on his record, passed the department’s hiring background check. The Board of Aldermen did not respond to the concerns raised. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has said the video and case file will be released only once its investigation is complete.
Source: FOX13 Memphis / AOL
Senatobia police finally release a report on the shooting — but it withholds almost everything
Nearly a month after the shoplifting-call stop that killed Kohen Wiley, the Senatobia Police Department released a two-page report on the incident. It does not name the officer who fired, does not say how many officers were on scene, and does not explain why the encounter escalated into gunfire. The department and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, which is investigating, have continued to decline requests from activists and reporters to release any police or Walmart surveillance video of the shooting.
Source: Mississippi Today
No new developments: case remains open, Senatobia and MBI still silent
Five days after the independent autopsy ruled Kohen Wiley’s death a homicide, there has been no new confirmed reporting in the case. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation continues to list the case as open while declining further comment, no charges have been filed, the involved officer has not been publicly named, and no additional police or Walmart surveillance video has been released. This tracker is checking wire sources hourly and will post a new entry as soon as a named primary outlet confirms further movement.
Source: AP News
Senatobia leaders skip press conference on independent autopsy — family attorneys call it out
A day after the independent autopsy results were released, family attorneys said Senatobia city leaders and police officials did not attend or respond to the findings, calling the silence conspicuous given the homicide ruling.
Source: Action News 5
Independent autopsy rules Kohen Wiley’s death a homicide — shotgun wound entered through the passenger window
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and forensic pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell held a press conference revealing the independent autopsy: cause of death was a shotgun wound to the torso, with the bullet entering Kohen’s right side and exiting his left — consistent with the shot coming from the side of the vehicle, not from in front of it. Crump said that undercuts the department’s account that the officer fired because the car was driving at him.
Independent forensic review complete; press conference set for Wednesday
Attorney Ben Crump’s team announced the independent forensic review of Kohen’s gunshot wound was complete and would be revealed at a news conference, alongside a renewed demand for the release of all police and Walmart surveillance video.
Source: Action News 5
‘He’s all I had:’ Family and hundreds of mourners say goodbye at Kohen’s funeral
Family, friends, and community members gathered for a funeral service honoring Kohen Wiley. Relatives spoke about the joy he brought and renewed calls for accountability as the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation continued its review.
Source: Action News 5 / NBC News
Ben Crump announces independent autopsy, demands release of all police and Walmart video
Attorney Ben Crump announced the family had commissioned an independent autopsy and repeated the demand — “just release the video” — for Senatobia police and Walmart to hand over all body-camera and store surveillance footage from the shooting.
Source: Action News 5 / WLBT
Senatobia places unnamed officer on administrative leave
The City of Senatobia placed the still-unnamed officer on administrative leave. Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell pledged a “transparent investigation” but said no video would be released until the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation finishes its work.
Source: Mississippi Free Press
200+ protest at Senatobia City Hall; officers deploy tear gas
More than 200 people gathered outside Senatobia City Hall chanting “No Justice, No Peace.” That evening, officers in gas masks deployed tear gas on a crowd near the Walmart where Kohen was shot.
Source: Mississippi Free Press
Senatobia officer shoots into vehicle at Walmart, killing 1-year-old Kohen Wiley
Officers responding to a shoplifting call at a Walmart on U.S. 51 in Senatobia said the driver of a fleeing vehicle drove toward an officer, who then opened fire. Inside the car was 1-year-old Kohen Kartier Wiley, who was pronounced dead at a hospital; an adult was critically injured. The family disputes that any shoplifting occurred.
References
AOL. (2026, July 22). Senatobia residents demand officer fired after toddler killed. https://www.aol.com/articles/senatobia-residents-demand-officer-fired-235120000.html
Action News 5. (2026, July 1). ‘Shotgun wound:’ Independent autopsy rules 1-year-old Kohen Wiley’s death homicide. https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/07/01/shotgun-wound-independent-autopsy-rules-1-year-old-kohen-wileys-death-homicide/
Action News 5. (2026, July 2). ‘They hiding:’ Senatobia leaders called out for missing 1-year-old Kohen Wiley’s independent autopsy press conference. https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/07/02/they-hiding-senatobia-leaders-called-out-missing-1-year-old-kohen-wileys-independent-autopsy-press-conference/
Action News 5. (2026, June 21). ‘JUST RELEASE THE VIDEO’: Attorney Ben Crump announces independent autopsy, demands transparency in death of Kohen Wiley. https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/06/21/attorney-ben-crump-announces-independent-autopsy-demands-transparency-death-kohen-wiley/
Action News 5. (2026, June 23). ‘He’s all I had:’ Kohen Wiley’s family says he brought so much joy into the world. https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/06/23/hes-all-i-had-kohen-wileys-family-says-he-brought-so-much-joy-into-world/
Action News 5. (2026, June 30). Independent autopsy report complete in death of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley. https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/06/30/independent-autopsy-report-complete-death-1-year-old-kohen-wiley/
Associated Press. (2026, July 1). Autopsy released of Mississippi baby killed by police. https://apnews.com/article/mississippi-baby-shot-police-kohen-wiley-autopsy-8f96096cb675e34fd4de111c4cd1b965
Atlanta Black Star. (2026, July 23). 'The room went silent': White Mississippi cop involved in deadly shooting of Black 1-year-old accused of making racist remark just two days before. https://atlantablackstar.com/2026/07/23/white-mississippi-cop-involved-in-deadly-shooting-of-black-1-year-old-accused-of-making-racist-remark-just-two-days-before/
Capital B News. (2026, June). Mississippi police fatally shoot 1-year-old Kohen Wiley. https://capitalbnews.org/mississippi-police-shooting-kohen-kartier-wiley/
FOX13 Memphis. (2026, July 22). Senatobia city council meeting grows heated as community demands answers in child's death. https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/senatobia-city-council-meeting-grows-heated-as-community-demands-answers-in-childs-death/article_f75e0d55-c3c0-4147-a94d-ddafdb679759.html
Mississippi Free Press. (2026, June 16). Mississippi police officer shoots and kills 1-year-old child in response to Senatobia shoplifting call. https://www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippi-police-officer-shoots-and-kills-1-year-old-child-in-response-to-senatobia-shoplifting-call/
Mississippi Free Press. (2026, June 16). Mississippians march for 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, demanding accountability after police shooting. https://www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippians-march-for-1-year-old-kohen-wiley-demanding-accountability-after-police-shooting/
Mississippi Free Press. (2026, June 17). Anger mounts in Senatobia over police killing of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley. https://www.mississippifreepress.org/anger-mounts-in-senatobia-over-police-killing-of-1-year-old-kohen-wiley/
Mississippi Today. (2026, July 1). Officer who shot baby Kohen Wiley in Senatobia was not in harm’s way, family attorney says. https://mississippitoday.org/2026/07/01/autopsy-1-year-old-kohen-wiley-senatobia/
Mississippi Today. (2026, July 10). Senatobia police release internal reports of shooting that killed 1-year-old Kohen Wiley. https://mississippitoday.org/2026/07/10/senatobia-police-shooting-internal-report/
NBC News. (2026, June 23). Family of 1-year-old boy fatally shot by Mississippi police says goodbye, as questions remain. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kohen-wiley-senatobia-mississippi-funeral-police-shooting-rcna351609
Newsweek. (2026, July 1). Shotgun blast to chest killed 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, attorney says. https://www.newsweek.com/shotgun-blast-kohen-wiley-autopsy-homicide-ben-crump-12148025
Methodology: Entries are added only after confirmation from at least one named primary outlet (local TV/print, Mississippi Free Press, Capital B News, or the family’s legal team). The investigation is ongoing, the officer has not been publicly named or charged, and allegations remain unproven. This page will keep updating as the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, family attorneys, and Senatobia officials release new information.