Corey Durell Ruiz, a 36-year-old resident of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and native of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, following a fatal officer-involved shooting on Madison’s Near East Side.
A graduate of Whitehorse Middle School who studied remodeling and construction at Madison Area Technical College (MATC), Corey was known to close friends and family as a quiet, skilled, and longtime member of the Madison community. His sudden death in a high-profile confrontation with law enforcement has sparked widespread grief, public outrage, and immediate calls for transparency across Dane County.
The Incident on Willy and Baldwin Streets
According to statements released by Madison Police Chief John Patterson, the incident began shortly before 1:00 p.m. on July 22, when MPD officers responded to reports of an individual allegedly checking handles of parked vehicles.
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The Pursuit: Officers located Ruiz, who fled on a bicycle through nearby residential backyards. Officers caught up with him again around 1:30 p.m. at the busy intersection of Williamson Street (Willy St.) and S. Baldwin Street.
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The Confrontation: Police stated that a physical struggle ensued in the middle of the intersection as four officers attempted to detain Ruiz. Chief Patterson reported that during the struggle, a Taser was deployed unsuccessfully, and Ruiz produced a fixed-blade knife, injuring a veteran officer.
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The Shooting: The injured veteran officer discharged his firearm multiple times at close range, striking Ruiz. Bystanders in stopped vehicles recorded video footage of the altercation, which quickly circulated online and showed the intense struggle before gunshots were fired.
Ruiz was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A second officer was also injured during the incident, though not from knife wounds. Because the Madison Police Department does not currently utilize body-worn cameras, bystander footage and civilian recordings form the primary visual evidence of the encounter.
Tributes and Community Reaction
Friends, family, and local leaders expressed deep sorrow and anger following news of Ruiz’s passing, remembering him as a beloved son, brother, and friend whose life mattered.
Friends and Loved Ones
“I remember getting drunk and Corey had me high… I can’t believe the police killed him. He used to be so quiet. He did not deserve that. My heart goes out to his sisters and momma… I can’t imagine, I’m so sorry.”
— Shawntae Scott
“Someone please tell me it wasn’t Corey Ruiz killed by MPD today. Please say it ain’t so. I have literally known that man the majority of my life!”
— Jazzman Brown
Protests and Local Advocacy
Following the incident, hundreds of community members and local activists gathered at the intersection of Willy and Baldwin Streets on Wednesday evening before marching downtown, disrupting the Concert on the Square to demand justice.
Community leaders and political figures across Wisconsin—including state representatives and Dane County officials—issued statements demanding a thorough, independent investigation and the release of all available civilian and surveillance footage.
State Investigation Underway
In accordance with Wisconsin state law, the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has taken over the official investigation into the officer-involved shooting to ensure an independent review.
Once the DCI completes its investigation, the findings will be submitted to the Dane County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether any formal charges will be filed.
Surviving Family
Corey is survived by his mother, Anna Ruiz, his sisters, extended family members, and a wide circle of lifelong friends across Madison and Sun Prairie. Funeral arrangements and memorial services will be announced by the Ruiz family in the coming days.