Jackson, Miss. – On the day after what would have been Kohen Wiley’s second birthday, the lobby of the Sillers Building filled with chants for justice. Protesters gathered to press Attorney General Lynn Fitch for a meeting about her decision not to file criminal charges against the officer involved in the one‑year‑old’s killing.
Protesters call for transparency
“We want to hear from the attorney general,” said Danielle Holmes, a representative of the Mississippi Poor People’s Campaign. “She owes the Wiley family an answer as to why she feels a cop killer, racist cop killer that gunned down a one‑year‑old is justifiable, especially when he violated all police training.”
Attorney General’s office defends its position
Attorney General Fitch’s chief of staff, Michelle Williams, responded that the investigation concluded the use of force was justified. “We follow the law,” Williams said. “We follow the facts to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to bring charges.” Williams added that the attorney general was traveling in Grenada and would be in northern Mississippi soon, and that a request for a meeting would require a public‑records request.
Community leaders weigh in
Marquell Bridges, president of the Building Bridges Coalition, expressed frustration, noting that similar incidents have occurred in Senatobia. “Over and over the denial of justice. This ain’t the first in Senatobia,” Bridges said. “We are tired. You will not kill our children. You will not kill our babies.” He referenced past cases involving Andrew Joseph III and Tamir Rice, urging officials to prevent further loss of life.
Kohen’s parents, Eaveon Williams and Vellesiya Wiley, stood silently among supporters. The protest group pledged to continue urging the attorney general to meet with the family and re‑examine the case.
Legal context
The attorney general’s office cited a lack of sufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges, a standard legal threshold in Mississippi. While critics argue the decision undermines accountability, the office maintains that its conclusion follows established investigative protocols.
Next steps
Protesters indicated they will file a public‑records request to obtain the attorney general’s schedule and continue pressing for a meeting. The community’s call for transparency reflects broader concerns about law‑enforcement accountability in the state.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.
