Three gunshots that killed Corey Ruiz during a July 22 arrest struggle are drawing sharp scrutiny from police-use-of-force experts, with two saying the officer may have fired too quickly despite Ruiz having a knife.
Bystander video shows four officers wrestling with Ruiz, a Taser being deployed, Ruiz falling, and an officer firing as another officer had just stomped Ruiz's thigh; the chief said the Taser failed and no body-camera footage exists.
Two experts said the number of officers suggested the encounter could have been contained without gunfire and warned the shots risked hitting other officers, while a third expert said the knife and resistance likely justified deadly force.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice is investigating the shooting as a homicide, and the case has already fueled protests, political condemnation and renewed concern over public trust in Madison police.