Family, Attorney Demand Charges in Madison Police Shooting
Corey Ruiz's family and attorney Ben Crump demand charges against Madison officer.
Why it matters: This case highlights ongoing tensions over police accountability and use of force, crucial for civil rights and public interest legal professionals analyzing law enforcement practices and reforms.
- Corey Ruiz, 38, was fatally shot July 22, 2026, during attempted arrest in Madison’s Marquette neighborhood.
- Civil rights attorney Ben Crump calls the shooting an unjustified execution and demands criminal charges.
- No officers involved wear body cameras, contributing to lack of transparency in the investigation.
- Madison’s independent police monitor criticizes police for withholding officer identity and evidence; protests demand justice.
On July 22, 2026, Corey Ruiz, age 38, died after being shot multiple times by a Madison police officer during an attempted arrest in the Marquette neighborhood. Police had responded to reports of a man checking parked cars, and during the encounter, Ruiz allegedly pulled a knife, injuring an officer before the fatal shooting.[AP]
The shooting was captured on bystander video, but Madison police officers do not wear body cameras, leaving critical gaps in the record. This absence has raised concerns about transparency in the ongoing independent investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation.[Washington Post]
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Ruiz's family, decried the shooting as an unjustified "execution," noting multiple shots including to the head, and called for criminal charges against the involved officer.[AP] Ruiz's family held a news conference expressing grief and demanding justice, with his 13-year-old daughter stating, "My heart was broken and hurt so much knowing I can't see my father anymore."
Madison’s independent police monitor Aeiramique Glass criticized the department for withholding the officer’s identity and withholding evidence from oversight bodies, amplifying community distrust. This shooting reignited protests and public outcry focusing on accountability and racial justice.[AP]
Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway urged calm and emphasized the necessity of a thorough investigation amid strong community emotions.[Washington Post] The incident also echoes prior controversial police shootings in the city in 2012 and 2015, underlining ongoing community trauma and persistent questions about policing practices in Madison.
By the numbers:
- 38 years old — Corey Ruiz's age at time of shooting
- 3 shots — Number of times Ruiz was shot including to the head
- 2 prior shootings — Controversial officer-involved shootings in Madison in 2012 and 2015
Yes, but: The absence of body camera footage leaves significant details unverified, complicating assessment of officer conduct and contributing to public mistrust.
What's next: The Wisconsin Department of Justice continues its independent investigation; findings and any criminal charges against the officer are awaited.