An attorney representing the family of Corey Ruiz, who was shot and killed by a Madison police officer on July 10, called for criminal charges against the officer during a press conference Wednesday. Attorney William Sulton stated that video evidence and witness accounts indicate Ruiz did not pose an immediate threat at the time of the shooting.
The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased as 34-year-old Corey Ruiz. According to a statement from the Madison Police Department, the incident occurred while officers were investigating a report of an armed individual. Police officials stated that an officer discharged their weapon during an encounter with Ruiz, who later died from his injuries at a local hospital.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is currently leading an independent investigation into the shooting. Per department policy, the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the probe. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be turned over to the Dane County District Attorney to determine if legal action is warranted.