Corey Ruiz’s family: Mother, daughter and brother speak out after Madison police shooting; ‘He was a loved man’
The family of Corey Ruiz is speaking publicly for the first time since 38-year-old Corey Ruiz was fatally shot by a Madison police officer on July 22. On July 24, they stood at the Wisconsin State Capitol with civil rights attorney Ben Crump to express their hope for justice and accountability.
Ruiz’s mother, daughter and brother shared emotional memories while questioning how the encounter ended with deadly force. They appear because Wisconsin The Justice Department is continuing to investigate the shooting. The officer who fired the weapon and three other officers at the scene remain on administrative leave.
Who are Cory Ruiz’s family members?
Corey Ruiz’s family used the press conference to talk about the man they knew beyond the headlines. His mother, Elsa Ruiz, burst into tears thinking of her son and said, “He was my love. He loved his daughter, he loved his family. He didn’t deserve to be taken away like this. They took my child from me.”
Ruiz’s brother, Adam Ruiz, called for accountability, saying: “My family needs justice for what they did to him. He was a very important man who was loved by his family, friends and many in the community.”
His 13-year-old daughter Kah’liyah Aliomar also spoke at the meeting. Holding back tears, she said: “People say he is a criminal. so what? He has a family, he has me. ” She also questioned why police didn’t try other methods before using deadly force.
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Ben Crump supports Corey Ruiz’s family
Attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Ruiz family, said bystander video raises serious concerns about the officer’s conduct. “Any time there is excessive use of force, there should be accountability… We saw an execution that shocked our consciences. Thank God there was video.”
Crump Officials were also urged to introduce body cameras for Madison police officers, noting that most officers in the department currently do not wear cameras. The Wisconsin Department of Justice is leading the investigation, and city officials have not released the names of the officers involved.
Corey Ruiz’s daughter speaks out
Kalia also spoke about the pain of losing her father and the problems she faces now. “My heart is so broken, I don’t even know how to put it into words,” she said.
She later added, “I just wish… what if the police were never called? What if they let him go? What if they de-escalated the situation?”
Her mother, Marjorie Ann Aliomar, said the shooting happened about two blocks from their home. She explained that her daughter now has to pass the memorial built for her father every day, making the pain of losing her father even more difficult to bear.
As the investigation continues, the family said they will continue to seek answers and justice.
