By The People’s Paper MS Staff
JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus is calling on state officials to establish direct and consistent communication with the family of Kohen Wiley as the investigation into the child’s death continues.
In an Aug. 17 letter addressed to Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch and Commissioner Sean Tindell, the caucus said its members recently met with Wiley’s family and their representatives.
During that meeting, family members shared their grief, questions about the investigation and concerns about what the caucus described as a lack of meaningful communication.
The caucus is now asking state officials to take immediate steps to keep the family informed.
“The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus calls for the immediate establishment of direct, timely, and ongoing communication with the Wiley family,” the letter states.
The caucus outlined five specific requests.
First, it wants officials to establish a clear and consistent point of contact for the family.
Second, it is asking for regular and timely updates as the investigation moves forward.
Third, the caucus wants officials to clearly explain what information they can and cannot release.
Fourth, it is asking officials to respond to the family’s questions with what it described as the urgency, dignity and compassion the death of a child demands.
Finally, the caucus wants confirmation that those communication measures have been put in place.
Caucus says it respects investigation
The Legislative Black Caucus emphasized that its request for transparency does not mean it is asking investigators to compromise the integrity of the investigation.
The group acknowledged that investigators may not have all the answers yet and that some information may not be available for public release.
However, the caucus said officials should explain those limitations to the family and provide information about what they can expect as the investigation continues.
The distinction is important, the caucus said. Families can be kept informed about an investigative process even when officials cannot disclose every detail.
A call for accountability
The caucus also connected communication with broader expectations for government accountability.
“Transparency is not a courtesy that government extends when convenient,” the letter states. “Rather, it is a fundamental responsibility that accompanies the exercise of public authority.”
For Wiley’s family, the caucus said, the issue goes beyond receiving information.
The family deserves answers about what happened to their child. While those answers are being pursued, the caucus said the family also deserves respect, consistent communication and assurance that the agencies investigating Wiley’s death recognize their responsibility to the people they serve.
“Kohen Wiley’s family deserves answers,” the letter states.
The caucus said Mississippi now has an opportunity to demonstrate openness, responsiveness and accountability through its actions.
“This family has waited long enough,” the letter concludes.
The letter was signed by State Rep. Kabir Karriem, chairman of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus and representative of House District 41.
The People’s Paper MS will continue to follow developments surrounding the investigation and any response from state officials.
Read more Mississippi news, community coverage and stories that matter at thepeoplespaperms.com.
