Harrowing bodycam footage released of cop shooting that killed baby boy on mom’s lap
Confrontation in the parking lot
Five officers approached with weapons drawn and ordered the driver to stop. The car reversed, hit a parked vehicle and then moved forward. Officer Foster stood in front of it before moving out of its path and firing through the passenger-side window.
State finds shooting justified
The Mississippi Attorney General’s office completed a month-long investigation and concluded Foster’s actions were appropriate. It filed no criminal charges against him. The decision and release of the video angered the family, who said they learned of the officer’s exoneration through news reports and online leaks. Kohen’s mother has denied stealing anything, and the driver has not been charged.
Family disputes officer’s account
Defense attorney Martin Zummach argued Foster had no choice but to fire, saying the driver used the car as a deadly weapon. He said later shots were caused by “muscle memory.” Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family, disputed that account. He said the fatal shot came from the side of the car after Foster was no longer in danger, and called for a federal investigation.
Questions over use of force
Use-of-force experts remain divided over whether Foster violated police standards by positioning himself in front of a moving vehicle. Crump criticized the confrontation, which followed an allegation involving stolen diapers. At a news conference, Kohen’s maternal grandmother, Veronica Roberson, said the finding of justification had haunted her. Crump said, “Diapers should never cost a baby their life.”
Key points
- Kohen, 1, was killed when Officer Foster fired into a car in a Walmart parking lot.
- Mississippi investigators deemed the shooting justified and filed no criminal charges against Foster.
- The family disputes the decision and attorney Ben Crump is seeking a federal investigation.
- Kohen’s mother denies theft, and the driver has not been charged.