Sharpton, Crump lead Madison funeral for Corey Ruiz as DOJ investigation continues

Key points

• Corey Ruiz, a 38-year-old Black man, was killed by Madison police officer Kiel Baitinger-Peterson on July 22 during an attempted arrest.
• Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy at Ruiz's funeral on Aug. 14, stating the shooting was unjustified and criticizing city leaders for failing to provide accountability.
• Attorney Ben Crump, representing the Ruiz family, called the shooting an 'execution' and promised to release results from an independent autopsy soon.
• The Wisconsin Department of Justice is investigating the incident as a homicide, with four officers on administrative leave and no arrests made as of Aug. 14.
• Ruiz's family, including his mother Elsa and sister Veronica, spoke at the funeral, highlighting his struggles with mental health, homelessness, and addiction, and demanding justice.

Background

Corey Ruiz's death follows a pattern of police-involved killings of Black men in Madison, including Tony Robinson in 2015 and Paul Heenan in 2012. Ruiz had a criminal record, with 40 convictions between 2009 and 2025, including robbery and strangulation. His death sparked widespread protests and a makeshift encampment at the scene, which the city forcibly cleared on Aug. 4.

How outlets are covering it

WPR and NBC News emphasize the emotional impact on Ruiz's family and the broader civil rights implications, highlighting Sharpton's and Crump's criticism of police tactics. Fox6 News focuses on the procedural details of the shooting, including the officer's identification and the DOJ investigation, while also noting Ruiz's criminal history. All sources agree on the basic facts of the shooting and the subsequent protests but differ in their emphasis on the family's grief versus the legal and procedural aspects of the case.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing tensions between police use of force and community accountability in Madison. The involvement of high-profile civil rights leaders and the family's demand for justice underscore the broader national conversation on racial justice and police reform. The outcome of the DOJ investigation will be crucial in determining whether charges are filed and in shaping future policy on police conduct in Wisconsin.

What to watch

The Wisconsin DOJ is expected to complete its investigation and refer the case to the District Attorney's office for a charging decision. Ben Crump's legal team plans to release the results of an independent autopsy in the coming days. The family continues to seek direct engagement from city officials and accountability for the shooting.