Funeral to be held for Black man fatally shot by Madison police

A funeral was held in Madison, Wisconsin, for Corey Ruiz, a 38-year-old Black man who was shot and killed by police last month. The service took place on Friday, marking the final rites for Ruiz, whose death has sparked renewed discussions about police conduct and racial tensions in the Midwest. Ruiz was fatally shot during a struggle with four police officers on July 22. According to authorities, officers had responded to reports of bicycle thefts and unauthorized vehicle inspections. Initially, Ruiz fled the scene, but he later pulled out a knife, injuring one of the officers. Despite attempts to subdue him using a Taser, officers ultimately fired their weapons, resulting in Ruiz's death. Bystander video of the incident circulated widely on social media, leading to demonstrations in the city and increased criticism of law enforcement practices toward people of color. The funeral was attended by prominent figures, including civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Ruiz’s family, and Reverend Al Sharpton, who delivered the eulogy. The ceremony took place at the Fountain of Life Church in Madison and was broadcast through Sharpton’s organization, the National Action Network. The event drew attention to the broader context of police violence against Black individuals in the area. Madison police stated that the investigation into Ruiz’s death remains under the jurisdiction of the Wisconsin Justice Department’s Division of Criminal Investigation. A spokesperson for the department, Officer Stephanie Fryer, noted that the division will eventually hand over the case to the District Attorney’s office for charging decisions. As of Friday, no arrests had been made in connection with the incident. The Division of Criminal Investigation did not respond to requests for further information. This case follows other high-profile incidents involving Black men killed by police in Madison. In 2015, Tony Robinson was fatally shot by officers just over a mile from where Ruiz died. Similarly, Paul Heenan was killed by a police officer in 2012 near the same location. These events highlight ongoing concerns about police accountability and the treatment of Black residents within the community. Public records reveal that Ruiz had a history of legal troubles, including convictions for robbery by force and strangulation, spanning from 2009 to 2025. His ex-girlfriend, who is also the mother of his teenage daughter, spoke to NBC News about the emotional toll of his death. She described how her child must pass by the site where Ruiz died each morning on the way to school, facing the daily reality of loss and trauma. The circumstances surrounding Ruiz’s death continue to raise questions about the use of lethal force by police and the broader systemic challenges faced by communities of color in Wisconsin. As the investigation progresses, the community awaits clarity on the circumstances that led to the tragic outcome.