Madison, Wisconsin — Authorities have identified the Madison police officer who fatally shot 38-year-old Corey Ruiz, a Black man who was confronted by officers while riding a bicycle in July. The shooting has triggered days of protests and renewed calls for racial justice as state investigators determine whether the officer involved should face criminal charges.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation identified the officer as Kiel Baitinger-Peterson, a white officer with nearly 11 years of law enforcement experience.
Officer Identified in Fatal Madison Shooting
According to investigators, Baitinger-Peterson fired the shots that killed Ruiz on July 22. Police said the incident began after officers received calls about a person allegedly checking parked vehicles and attempting a burglary.
Four officers eventually surrounded Ruiz, who was on a bicycle.
The confrontation escalated before the shooting, with investigators saying that two officers attempted to deploy Tas ers, but the efforts were unsuccessful. The state Justice Department said Ruiz then brandished a knife and injured Baitinger-Peterson.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed the extent of the officer’s injuries. Investigators did release an image of a fixed-blade knife recovered at the scene.
No Body Camera Footage Available
One major issue surrounding the investigation is the absence of body-camera footage. Madison police officers do not wear body cameras, meaning there is no officer-recorded video of the confrontation.
However, bystanders captured portions of the encounter on video.
The footage is expected to be among the evidence considered as investigators reconstruct what happened immediately before the shooting.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice has not provided a timeline for completing its investigation.
Officer Could Still Face Criminal Charges
Baitinger-Peterson and the three other officers who interacted with Ruiz have been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.
Once the state investigation is complete, its findings will be reviewed by Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne. Ozanne will then determine whether criminal charges should be filed against Baitinger-Peterson.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Ruiz’s family, has called for the officer to be charged.
At this stage, however, no criminal charge against Baitinger-Peterson has been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Ruiz’s Family Says He Did Not Deserve to Die
The shooting has been especially painful for Ruiz’s family. His mother, Elsa Ruiz, spoke about her son following his death and said he loved his daughter and family.
She expressed disbelief that she was suddenly preparing to bury her son.
“He did not deserve to be taken out like that. They took my baby from me,” she said.
Her comments came as members of Madison’s Black community gathered in protest and demanded answers about the circumstances surrounding Ruiz’s death.
Police Union Urges Public Not to Prejudge Officer
Jim Palmer, executive director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, spoke on Baitinger-Peterson’s behalf. Palmer said he was concerned about the safety and privacy of the officer, his family and the other officers involved.
He said appropriate precautions were being taken and urged the public to allow investigators to complete their work. Palmer also asked people to refrain from prejudging the officers before the investigation is finished.
Shooting Leads to Protests Across Madison
The fatal encounter prompted several days of protests and renewed discussion about how law enforcement interacts with people of color in Madison.
The demonstrations also affected the local community, with nearby events canceled or postponed following the shooting.
As investigators continue reviewing witness videos, physical evidence and other information, Ruiz’s family is waiting for authorities to determine whether the officer who fired the fatal shots will face criminal prosecution.
The eventual decision by the Dane County district attorney could become a major turning point in a case that has already sparked significant debate over policing, race and accountability in Madison.
Do you think the state investigation should be completed before prosecutors decide whether charges are appropriate? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
