'My heart was just so broken': Ruiz's daughter speaks after Madison police shooting death
The family of Corey Ruiz held a public news conference this week to discuss his recent death at the hands of a Madison police officer. This incident occurred Wednesday afternoon at a busy intersection on the city’s near-east side.
Elsa Ruiz, his mother, and Kah'liyah Ruiz, his daughter, shared their grief during the event. They expressed deep pain and frustration over the loss, describing him as a kind person who cared for his family and loved music. Their comments emphasized the personal tragedy of a life taken suddenly.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump joined the family and state Rep. Shelia Stubbs at the news conference. Crump pointed to bystander video of the event, arguing that the lethal force used against Ruiz was unnecessary. He questioned the narrative provided by authorities and stated the footage shocked the conscience of those who viewed it.
Reports indicate police claim Ruiz held a fixed-blade knife and injured an officer during an struggle. However, the family and their legal representatives are raising concerns about the lack of de-escalation tactics used during the encounter. The family is calling for a formal inquiry and the implementation of body cameras for local law enforcement, as Madison police currently do not use them.