Daughter, 13, of Wisconsin Man Shot and Killed by Police Recalls Moment She Learned of His Death: ‘My Heart Was So Broken’

A tragic incident involving a homeless man shot by police in Wisconsin has garnered significant attention as his family calls for accountability. Corey Durell Ruiz, aged 38, was fatally shot during an altercation with officers from the Madison Police Department on 22 July. His 13-year-old daughter, Kah’liyah Aliomar, expressed her heartbreak during a press conference held just days later, where she recounted the moment she learned of her father’s death.

Kah’liyah, visibly emotional, spoke about her anguish, stating, “My heart was so broken. I don’t even know how to put it into words.” Overcome with grief, she reflected on her feelings of helplessness, saying, “I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know what to do. My heart was just so broken, and it just hurts so much knowing I can’t see my father anymore.”

Compounding the pain of her loss, Kah’liyah faced harsh criticisms from some commentators who labelled her father a criminal. She countered these claims with poignant remarks: “So what? He had a family. He had me.” As she recalled her last conversation with Ruiz, she expressed a yearning for one final opportunity to tell him how much she loved him. “I wish I could see him one more time,” she said.

Ruiz’s mother, Elza, also spoke at the press gathering, sharing her sorrow and love for her son. Through tears, she lamented, “He was my love. He loved his daughter. He loved his family. He did not deserve to be taken out like that. They took my baby from me.” The emotional testimonies highlighted the deep personal loss felt by the family.

The involvement of civil rights attorney Ben Crump has brought further attention to the case, as he joined the Ruiz family in their quest for justice. During the press conference, Crump asserted that the officer who fired the fatal shots should face criminal charges, labelling the incident “shocking on every level.” The gathering became a platform for public outcry, with attendees chanting, “No justice, no peace,” signalling a demand for accountability from law enforcement.

The events leading to the tragic shooting began when police received reports of a person attempting to enter parked vehicles shortly before 1 p.m. on July 22. Madison Police Chief John Patterson indicated that Ruiz, who fled on a bicycle, was subsequently surrounded by officers. A struggle ensued during which Ruiz allegedly produced a knife. According to Patterson, a taser was deployed but failed to subdue him, leading to an officer sustaining injuries from the knife prior to the gunfire.

Patterson confirmed that it was the same officer who had deployed the taser who ultimately fired his weapon. With the incident now under investigation, he emphasised the department’s commitment to transparency, stating, “This family deserves real answers. Not just a press conference.” The Madison Police Department has not yet provided additional comments regarding the tragedy.

As the investigation progresses, the community remains on edge, reflecting a broader national discourse on police conduct and accountability. The Ruiz family’s heartfelt pleas for justice resonate with many who have experienced similar losses or whose lives have been affected by instances of police violence. The upcoming inquiries into this incident will likely keep the community engaged, as they seek answers and advocate for change.

With a growing focus on police reform and systemic issues in law enforcement, the fallout from Ruiz’s death may spur continued dialogue and action within the Madison community and beyond. The emotional struggle of a young girl mourning her father amidst such a turbulent and polarised climate underscores the profound impact that such incidents have on families and communities alike.