Independent investigation underway for man shot and killed by Madison police officer

Groups that oversee Madison police are launching an independent investigation into Corey Ruiz’s death.

Police say Ruiz was armed with a knife as they tried to detain him injuring an officer, who then shot and killed Ruiz.

At Monday's press conference, Madison’s Police Civilian Oversight Board and Independent Police Monitor said they need more funding to be able to operate and expand their resources to hold the police department accountable, and to be able to conduct their own separate investigations into this incident and any others moving forward.  

CBS 58

Right now, they say they have $405,000 in their budget and want to see those additional funds come from the Madison Police Department's budget. They are demanding a minimum of 1%, which would be roughly a million dollars.

"We cannot presume that the police will adequately monitor their own behavior and hold their members accountable," said Linda Ketcham, with JustDane. "We cannot presume that our district attorney will file charges, even if there is a finding of homicide. He has yet to hold any police officer accountable during his tenure."

The groups say they also want to see body cameras implemented in the city, as well as strong policies regulating how they are operated.

"When we are talking about body cameras, it's not one or the other, it's both. And I need it as a tool, and the community needs it as transparency and accountability when people are seeking justice in all stages and we need strong policy," said Aeiramique Glass, the Madison Independent Police Monitor.

The groups also say they want the names of the officers involved revealed, and the officer who fired the shot arrested immediately.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice is handling this investigation.

Madison Police Chief John Patterson says they will not hide from any aspect of the investigation.