A police officer who fired at a vehicle and killed a 1-year-old baby in a Mississippi Walmart shooting has resigned. This comes immediately after the state attorney general’s office concluded that the shooting was ‘justifiable use of force’ and decided not to pursue criminal charges.
Senatobia Police Officer Resigns Following Investigation
Hunter Foster, an officer with the Senatobia Police Department, fired shots at a vehicle attempting to leave the scene while responding to a shoplifting call at Walmart on June 14. At the time, 1-year-old Cohen Aderholt, his mother, and the driverโan acquaintance of the motherโwere inside the vehicle. The bullets killed Cohen and injured the driver.
Mississippi investigators stated that the vehicle accelerated toward the officers and nearly struck one of them. Foster’s attorney also argued that the officer had no choice but to fire because he was in danger of being run over. In contrast, Cohen’s family rejected the self-defense claim, arguing that the vehicle was merely trying to leave the scene rather than ram the police.
Legal Cleared and Department Departures
The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office announced on the 19th, following a months-long investigation, that Foster’s use of force was justified and that no criminal charges would be filed. Bodycam footage released subsequently showed the officer running toward the vehicle and firing shots within a brief period.
The City of Senatobia accepted Foster’s resignation on the 21st. Foster’s attorney stated that he resigned for "the recovery of the city and the police department." Interim Police Chief Angelica Mays also stepped down from her temporary position.
Family Demands Further Federal Investigation
Ben Crump, the attorney representing the bereaved family, argued that the officer’s resignation should not mark the end of accountability and has requested a separate investigation from the U.S. Department of Justice. Cohen’s family continues to raise questions surrounding the circumstances of the shooting and is demanding further truth-finding.
