Corey Ruiz Case: Attorney B’Ivory LaMarr Outlines Next Steps at Williamson Street Vigil

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On the third day of the Williamson Street vigil for Corey Ruiz, family attorney B’Ivory LaMarr addressed reporters on Friday, July 24, 2026, outlining the next steps in the case while raising concerns about the availability of body camera footage from the incident. LaMarr’s comments came as the community continued to demand transparency following the July 22 shooting that left Ruiz, a 24-year-old local resident, dead.

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Body Camera Access and Legal Challenges
LaMarr stated during the vigil that the family had not yet received access to body camera recordings from the officers involved in the incident, citing ongoing legal disputes over the footage’s release. “The family is entitled to this information to understand what occurred and hold accountable those responsible,” LaMarr said, according to a transcript of the remarks. The attorney did not specify which law enforcement agency controls the footage, though local authorities have not publicly confirmed or denied its existence.

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The case has drawn attention from civil rights groups, who have called for independent oversight of the investigation. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapter in the region issued a statement on July 24, urging officials to “prioritize transparency and community trust” in the proceedings.

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Community Response and Ongoing Vigil
The Williamson Street vigil, which began on July 22, has seen daily gatherings of residents demanding justice for Ruiz. Organizers reported that attendance exceeded 500 people on the third day, with attendees chanting slogans such as “No justice, no peace” and “We want the truth.” Local businesses have expressed support for the movement, with several donating supplies to the vigil site.

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LaMarr’s remarks at the vigil emphasized the family’s commitment to pursuing legal action. “We are working with investigators to ensure all evidence is preserved and that the process is fair,” the attorney said. However, no specific timeline for legal filings was provided.

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Legal and Institutional Context
The Corey Ruiz case is part of a broader pattern of public scrutiny over police conduct in the region. In 2025, the same police department faced criticism after a similar incident involving a civilian shooting, which led to a federal investigation. A 2026 report by the Department of Justice found “systemic deficiencies” in the agency’s use-of-force protocols.

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The family’s legal team has not yet commented on whether they will seek a federal investigation. However, LaMarr’s mention of “independent oversight” has been interpreted by some as a potential reference to such a step.

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Next Steps and Public Demands
As of July 24, no official statement had been released by the local police department regarding the body camera footage. The department’s public affairs office declined to comment on the record, citing an ongoing investigation.

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Community leaders have urged residents to continue attending the vigil while legal proceedings unfold. “This is about more than one case—it’s about the right to safety and accountability,” said Reverend Marcus Thompson, a local activist who has spoken at the vigils.

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Broader Implications for Police Transparency
The Ruiz case has reignited debates over body camera policies in law enforcement. A 2025 study by the Urban Institute found that only 68% of U.S. police departments require officers to activate body cameras during all interactions, leaving significant gaps in public access to footage.

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In response to the growing public pressure, the city council is scheduled to hold a special session on August 2 to discuss potential reforms to body camera access laws. The meeting is expected to include testimony from civil rights advocates and law enforcement representatives.

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Conclusion
The Corey Ruiz case remains under investigation, with the family’s legal team continuing to seek clarity on the events leading to his death. As the vigil continues, the community’s demands for transparency and accountability underscore the broader national conversation about policing and justice.

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No further updates were available as of July 24, 2026.