By Scott Bauer
Contributing Writer
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is calling for criminal charges to be filed against a white police officer who fatally shot a 38-year-old Black man in July — a killing that was captured on video and sparked protests over how authorities treat people of color.
Crump, who represents the family of the dead man — Corey Ruiz — called the shooting an “execution” and called for an independent investigation. He also called for criminal charges to be filed against the officer who fired the shots.
“Transparency is non-negotiable whenever deadly force is used by law enforcement,” Crump said in a statement on his Facebook page. “Justice for Corey!”
Civil rights leader Al Sharpton was set to deliver the eulogy at Ruiz’ funeral on Aug. 14.
Authorities this week identified Kiel Baitinger-Peterson as the officer who fired the shots that killed Ruiz on July 22.
Baitinger-Peterson, who has nearly 11 years’ experience in law enforcement, was one of four officers who surrounded Ruiz on a bike, in response to calls about someone who was checking out parked cars and an alleged burglary attempt, police said. After a struggle on the ground, Baitinger-Peterson pulled his revolver and fired.
The shooting sparked days of protests here and refueled calls from Black leaders and activists to address issues of police accountability and racial justice.
Baitinger-Peterson did not respond to an email seeking comment.
Jim Palmer, executive director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, which is the state’s largest police union and represents Madison officers, responded on behalf of Baitinger-Peterson.
“I am deeply concerned for the safety and privacy of him, his family, and the other officers involved,” Palmer said.
He said those concerns are being taken seriously and “appropriate precautions” are in place.
“I urge everyone to allow the investigation to proceed and to refrain from prejudging the officers or placing them and their families at further risk,” Palmer said.
Baitinger-Peterson and the other three officers who interacted with Ruiz that day have been placed on paid administrative leave while the state investigates the shooting.
There is no timeline for when the state Justice Department investigation will conclude. Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne will review the findings before deciding whether to file charges against Baitinger-Peterson.
While bystanders captured the confrontation on video, there is no body camera footage because Madison police officers are not required to wear them.
The state Justice Department said two officers attempted to use a Taser on Ruiz but weren’t successful. Ruiz “brandished a knife and injured” Baitinger-Peterson, it said. Law enforcement agencies haven’t divulged the extent of the officer’s injuries. They did release an image of a fixed-blade knife that was recovered at the scene.
The protests over the shooting led to several nearby community events being canceled or postponed.
Scott Bauer writes for the Associated Press. Wave staff contributed to this report.
