MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin authorities have identified the Madison police officer who fatally shot 38-year-old Corey Ruiz during an encounter on July 22. Officer Kiel Baitinger-Peterson, who has nearly 11 years of law enforcement experience, was identified as the officer who fired the shots that killed Ruiz. The shooting has led to protests, calls for accountability and renewed debate over policing and racial justice in Madison.
Officer Identified in Fatal Madison Police Shooting
Baitinger-Peterson was among four Madison police officers who confronted Ruiz after authorities received reports of a person checking parked vehicles and an alleged attempted burglary. Ruiz was riding a bicycle when officers encountered him.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice investigation, two officers attempted to use Tasers during the confrontation, but the devices were unsuccessful. Investigators said Ruiz then brandished a knife and injured Baitinger-Peterson, after which the officer fired his weapon. A fixed-blade knife was later recovered at the scene.
The precise circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain under investigation. Baitinger-Peterson has not been charged, and authorities have not announced any conclusion regarding whether the shooting was legally justified.
Investigation Continues as Officers Remain on Leave
Baitinger-Peterson and the three other officers who interacted with Ruiz have been placed on paid administrative leave while the Wisconsin Department of Justice investigates the shooting.
Once the state investigation is completed, its findings will be reviewed by Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne. The district attorney will then determine whether criminal charges should be filed against Baitinger-Peterson. Authorities have not provided a timetable for completion of the investigation.
The officer has not publicly commented on the shooting. The Wisconsin Professional Police Association has expressed concern about the safety and privacy of the officers and their families following the release of Baitinger-Peterson’s name.
Shooting Triggers Protests and Calls for Accountability
The death of Corey Ruiz prompted demonstrations in Madison and calls from members of the Black community for greater attention to racial justice and police accountability.
Video recorded by bystanders captured portions of the confrontation, but there is no police body-camera footage because Madison police officers do not currently wear body cameras. The absence of official body-camera footage has become an additional point of concern surrounding the investigation.
The protests also affected several community events in the area, with some being canceled or postponed following the shooting.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Ruiz’s family, has called for criminal charges against the officer. Meanwhile, officials and police representatives have urged the public to allow the state investigation to proceed before reaching conclusions about the officers’ actions.
The Wisconsin DOJ investigation is expected to provide additional information about what happened during the encounter and whether the officer’s use of deadly force violated Wisconsin law.
