Corey Ruiz’s sister highlighted that his criminal record should not define him. She made an emotional plea for justice during a news conference attended by family members and supporters following his fatal shooting by police.
Ruiz, aged 38, was shot by a Madison police officer on Wednesday after reports of a man allegedly threatening people with a knife near East Washington Avenue and North First Street. According to the Madison Police Department, Ruiz ignored commands to drop the knife and injured an officer during a struggle before another officer opened fire. Authorities reported one officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation is leading an independent investigation into the shooting. Officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.
His family’s appearance coincided with ongoing protests over Ruiz’s death in Madison. Demonstrators are demanding accountability and transparency from city officials. Ruiz’s sister stressed that his past should not overshadow the circumstances of his death. His criminal record did not define him.
“His Criminal Record Does Not Define Who My Brother Was.”
Ruiz’s sister expressed gratitude to those supporting her family. Fighting back tears, she commenced by thanking the community.
“I just want to thank the community and everyone that is standing up to support my family and my brother as we fight for justice for his execution,” she said. Visibly moved, she mentioned, “There has already been so much negativity about him, and nobody even knows who he is. His criminal record tells a tale of trauma, of pain, of struggle. It does not define who my brother was.” Supporters responded with words of encouragement.
Ruiz’s sister questioned the circumstances of the shooting.
“For him to be executed the way he was based on speculation… I don’t understand. I need somebody to help me understand why they felt it was okay to execute my brother.”
She paused to wipe tears, another supporter shouted, “It wasn’t.” She continued, “Based on no facts at all.” After a pause, relatives and supporters comforted her.
Seeking accountability, she urged those justified in the shooting to reconsider.
“Everybody that feels like this was justified, I need you to check in with your higher power,” she said, shaking her head, “because we’ve got some more stuff coming.” She called for public support as the family seeks justice.
“I hope everyone continues to support and come together and help us find justice for him, some kind of peace for us knowing that this murderer is not able to do this to somebody else,” she concluded.
As the news conference ended, civil rights attorney Ben Crump and others chanted for justice. Ruiz’s death has sparked ongoing demonstrations across Madison, with protests at the shooting scene and in downtown areas demanding accountability and further information about the incident. A memorial at the site includes flowers, candles, and messages.
Protests disrupted official events. A city news conference faced interruptions by demands from demonstrators for answers from Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Police Chief John Patterson. An outdoor concert at the Capitol was canceled amid unrest.
Local news station WMTV15 reported continued protests around Williamson Street, with road closures, businesses closing, and shows of solidarity.
As reported by Newsweek, the family retained civil rights attorney Crump, who calls for criminal charges against the officer who fired the fatal shots, claiming excessive force was used. Police maintain the shooting was justified because Ruiz allegedly injured an officer during the encounter.
The case renews scrutiny of Madison Police Department’s lack of body-worn cameras. Due to no body cameras, investigators rely on bystander videos, surveillance footage, and witness accounts.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice states its investigation is ongoing. Findings will be presented to the Dane County District Attorney’s Office, which will decide if criminal charges are warranted.
Court records show Ruiz had an extensive criminal history. He had prior convictions for misdemeanor retail theft and resisting or obstructing an officer in 2024. In 2023, he was convicted of battery or threat to a judge or law enforcement officer, a felony.
Ruiz faced convictions for felony resisting an officer with substantial bodily harm in 2021, felony drug possession in 2014, and misdemeanor disorderly conduct in 2007.