Authorities have identified the Madison police officer responsible for the shooting death of Corey Ruiz, a 38-year-old Black man, in July. Kiel Baitinger-Peterson, a white officer with nearly 11 years of law enforcement experience, fired the shots that killed Ruiz on July 22. At the time, Ruiz was armed with a knife, according to a statement from the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation.
The incident led to days of protests, with demands for transparency, accountability, and attention to racial justice issues. Bystanders captured video footage of the shooting. However, there is no body camera footage since Madison police officers do not use body cameras.
Representing Ruiz’s family, civil rights attorney Ben Crump described the shooting as an “execution”. He called for an independent investigation and for criminal charges against the officer involved.
Details of the Incident
Baitinger-Peterson was among four officers who confronted Ruiz. Ruiz was on a bicycle in response to complaints about someone allegedly checking parked cars and attempting a burglary. During the confrontation, Ruiz brandished a knife and injured Baitinger-Peterson. Two officers tried to subdue Ruiz with a Taser, but these attempts were unsuccessful.
“Officer Baitinger-Peterson discharged his firearm, striking Mr. Ruiz,” the statement reported.
Ruiz was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Baitinger-Peterson and another officer sustained injuries in the incident. Details of their injuries have not been disclosed. However, they were treated at a hospital and subsequently discharged.
Police released an image of a fixed-blade knife recovered at the scene.
Community Response
Madison Police Chief John Patterson acknowledged the challenges faced by the community in recent weeks. He pledged ongoing communication with the state Justice Department’s Division of Criminal Investigation. He stated, “We are committed to creating spaces and opportunities for conversations with our community in the future.”
Baitinger-Peterson’s Career
Baitinger-Peterson joined the Madison Police Department in 2015. He served as a patrol officer until 2022, before working in the Darbo-Worthington neighborhood as a neighborhood police officer. From 2023 until February of this year, he was part of the department’s Gang and Neighborhood Crime Abatement Team. He later transitioned to the Central District Community Police Team.
Chief Patterson noted Baitinger-Peterson is a certified instructor for several internal topics. He also mentioned that Baitinger-Peterson has no sustained use of force allegations and has not previously used deadly force.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.