Kumanjayi Walker inquest to resume in Alice Springs, with NT Health under the spotlight
2 years, 5 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest to resume in Alice Springs, with NT Health under the spotlight

ABC  

Senior health workers and clinic nurses are expected to explain why medical staff withdrew from the remote community of Yuendumu hours before Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot by a police officer, when the inquest into his death resumes today. 'Issues with racism' among NT police visiting remote communities Photo shows Derek Williams A senior Aboriginal community police officer has told the Northern Territory Coroner police from out of town lack "respect and responsibility" during the inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker. There were no NT Health nurses in the community at the time of the shooting and in her opening address Dr Dwyer told the court remote nurses from the nearby Yuelamu community arrived about half an hour after Kumanjayi Walker passed away. In her opening address Dr Dwyer, flagged evidence from health department staff would be significant to the inquiry and the coroner's ultimate recommendations, telling the court the Yuendumu community, NT Police and NT Health "are united in wanting to avoid another death in these circumstances".

Health Community Walker Inquest Heard Coroner Nurses Dwyer Kumanjayi Dr Dwyer Yuendumu Kumanjayi Walker Constable Rolfe Nt Health Her Opening Address  health  resume  walker  coroner  spotlight  yuendumu  dwyer  heard  alice  nurses  inquest  community  kumanjayi  springs  nt

History of this topic

NT coroner urged to find 'the truth' in Kumanjayi Walker inquest as inquiry wraps up after two years
3 months, 3 weeks ago

NT coroner urged to find 'the truth' in Kumanjayi Walker inquest as inquiry wraps up after two years

ABC  

For almost 70 sitting days, over the past two years, a stream of lawyers, media and witnesses walked past a sign on the lawns opposite the Alice Springs Local Court. NT police lawyer makes explosive allegations about Zachary Rolfe at inquest Photo shows Close-up side profile of a man Lawyers for the NT Police Force have described one of their …

'Racist, misogynist, homophobic': NT Police Force lawyers make explosive allegations about former officer Zachary Rolfe at Kumnajayi Walker inquest
3 months, 3 weeks ago

'Racist, misogynist, homophobic': NT Police Force lawyers make explosive allegations about former officer Zachary Rolfe at Kumnajayi Walker inquest

ABC  

Lawyers for the Northern Territory Police Force have described one of their own former officers as an alleged "racist … sexist … misogynist" and "narcissist, with grandiose ideas about his own abilities", at the inquest into the fatal police shooting of Kumanjayi Walker. Dr Freckelton said NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy — who was earlier this year investigated by the …

After years of covering NT courts, the Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest was unlike anything I've seen
9 months, 3 weeks ago

After years of covering NT courts, the Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest was unlike anything I've seen

ABC  

I covered Northern Territory courtrooms for almost seven years, so there's little that surprises me at a bar table anymore. The coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, who was shot by former NT Police constable Zachary Rolfe, was like nothing I've ever seen before. Kumanjayi Walker's family crowdfunded to travel hundreds of kilometres from Yuendumu to be at …

Zachary Rolfe is returning to the witness box for the third time. Why is the Kumanjayi Walker inquest not over?
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Zachary Rolfe is returning to the witness box for the third time. Why is the Kumanjayi Walker inquest not over?

ABC  

In short: Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot in November 2019 and a mandatory inquest into his death began in September 2022. Almost two years after it began, the coronial inquest into the police shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker will resume on Monday, for what is scheduled to be the final days of evidence. Coroner Elisabeth Armitage has so far heard …

Zachary Rolfe defended his name at the Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest this week
1 year ago

Zachary Rolfe defended his name at the Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest this week

ABC  

Zachary Rolfe was born the son of prominent Canberra parents: philanthropists with a high standing in the community, his mother a successful barrister, and his father a luxury car dealer. Zachary Rolfe tells a coronial inquest into the 2019 police shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, racist language was "used everywhere" throughout the NT Police Force. In affidavits, which presumably sought to …

The key moments of Zachary Rolfe's first appearance at Kumanjayi Walker inquest
1 year ago

The key moments of Zachary Rolfe's first appearance at Kumanjayi Walker inquest

ABC  

In short: Zachary Rolfe gave evidence at the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker for the first time on Monday, nearly 18 months after the inquest began. Mr Rolfe outlined instances of racism with the NT Police Force, and said racist language was "used everywhere". Former Northern Territory Police officer Zachary Rolfe, who fatally shot Indigenous man Kumanjayi …

Zachary Rolfe asks NT coroner to recuse herself from Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest, citing 'apprehended bias'
1 year, 5 months ago

Zachary Rolfe asks NT coroner to recuse herself from Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest, citing 'apprehended bias'

ABC  

Two weeks before his scheduled appearance at the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, Zachary Rolfe has asked the Northern Territory coroner to "consider recusing herself" from the proceedings, "on the grounds of apprehended bias". Key points: Coroner Elisabeth Armitage has been presiding over the inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker since last year On Friday last …

Suppression order lifted over police report into death of Kumanjayi Walker
1 year, 10 months ago

Suppression order lifted over police report into death of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC  

A suppression order over a controversial police report into the death of Warlpiri-Luritja man Kumanjayi Walker has been lifted, revealing previously redacted details about the murder investigation into former constable Zachary Rolfe. Key points: The so-called "Proctor Report" was previously subject to a claim of legal-professional privilege by the NT Police Force Perceptions of "investigative bias" related to Zachary Rolfe …

Zachary Rolfe dismissal 'a win' for Yuendumu community, 'disappointing' for police union
1 year, 11 months ago

Zachary Rolfe dismissal 'a win' for Yuendumu community, 'disappointing' for police union

ABC  

The family of Warlpiri-Luritja man Kumanjayi Walker, who was fatally shot by former-Constable Zachary Rolfe in 2019, says his dismissal from the NT Police Force "felt like a win" for the Yuendumu community. Key points: The NT Police Force formally dismissed Zachary Rolfe on Tuesday over "serious breaches of discipline" The former officer intends to appeal the decision It is …

Coronial inquest into death of Kumanjayi Walker resumes in Alice Springs with NT Police deputy commissioner
2 years ago

Coronial inquest into death of Kumanjayi Walker resumes in Alice Springs with NT Police deputy commissioner

ABC  

Sitting on camping chairs in the shade, with the live stream of the coroner's court playing from a speaker, members of Kumanjayi Walker's Yuendumu community gathered on the lawns opposite the Alice Springs Local Court as the coroner resumed her long-running inquiry into his death. Key points: Deputy Police Commissioner Murray Smalpage gave evidence over five days He told the …

Constable Zachary Rolfe's 'excessive' force incidents discovered too late for disciplinary action, Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears
2 years ago

Constable Zachary Rolfe's 'excessive' force incidents discovered too late for disciplinary action, Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears

ABC  

Constable Zachary Rolfe was given "remedial advice" for incidents which could have resulted in disciplinary action because they were discovered too late by investigating police, the coroner has heard. A second incident involving two drunk men at a park in Alice Springs was also reviewed, with Assistant Commissioner Porter describing Constable Rolfe's actions as "excessive and unnecessary". Assistant Commissioner Porter …

NT Police flags 'consequences' for Constable Zachary Rolfe after 2,500 word statement about Kumanjayi Walker investigation
2 years ago

NT Police flags 'consequences' for Constable Zachary Rolfe after 2,500 word statement about Kumanjayi Walker investigation

ABC  

Lawyers for the Northern Territory Police Force have told the coroner investigating the police shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, that Constable Zachary Rolfe will face "consequences" for penning a 2,500-word statement late last week. Key points: Constable Zachary Rolfe published a 2,500 word statement last week Lawyers for the NT Police Force at the inquest alleged it was a breach of …

NT Deputy Police Commissioner Murray Smalpage among witnesses scheduled as Kumanjayi Walker inquest resumes
2 years ago

NT Deputy Police Commissioner Murray Smalpage among witnesses scheduled as Kumanjayi Walker inquest resumes

ABC  

Northern Territory Coroner Elisabeth Armitage today returns to the bench in the Alice Springs Local Court for two additional weeks of evidence, as her long-running inquest into the death-in-custody of Kumanjayi Walker continues. Mr Walker died in Yuendumu, a remote Aboriginal community 300 kilometres north-west of Alice Springs, after he was shot three times by NT Police constable Zachary Rolfe …

Supreme Court rules Constable Zachary Rolfe can be forced to front Kumanjayi Walker inquest
2 years, 3 months ago

Supreme Court rules Constable Zachary Rolfe can be forced to front Kumanjayi Walker inquest

ABC  

Constable Zachary Rolfe will be forced to front the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, after the Supreme Court threw out his attempt to avoid a series of questions about the 2019 police shooting. Key points: Justice Judith Kelly has ruled against Constable Zachary Rolfe and Sergeant Lee Bauwen's application The officers had sought to avoid answering questions …

A coroner has spent three months investigating the death of Kumanjayi Walker at the hands of Constable Zachary Rolfe. Here’s what she found
2 years, 3 months ago

A coroner has spent three months investigating the death of Kumanjayi Walker at the hands of Constable Zachary Rolfe. Here’s what she found

ABC  

Every day for nearly thirteen weeks, no matter the weather, a tent appeared on the grass opposite the Alice Springs Local Court. Text messages downloaded from Constable Rolfe's phone and shown at the inquest revealed the use of racist language among territory police officers, including two sergeants, with one text, the coroner heard, implying officers would "act up" for body-worn …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears another death could happen in Yuendumu if additional support is not provided
2 years, 3 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears another death could happen in Yuendumu if additional support is not provided

ABC  

In the remote community of Yuendumu, where 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker was shot by a police officer three years ago, a youth worker says there are several young people facing "many of the difficulties" Mr Walker did before his death. Key points: Youth workers say there is a group of children in Yuendumu facing similar difficulties to Kumanjayi Walker before his …

Lawyers for Constable Zachary Rolfe argue against giving evidence at Kumanjayi Walker inquest
2 years, 3 months ago

Lawyers for Constable Zachary Rolfe argue against giving evidence at Kumanjayi Walker inquest

ABC  

The fight to limit the questions Constable Zachary Rolfe and other police officers can be asked at the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker has been heard in the Northern Territory Supreme Court. Key points: Lawyers for Constable Rolfe and Sergeant Lee Bauwens argue the pair have a "right" to not answer questions Constable Rolfe is claiming "penalty …

Former Assistant NT Police Commissioner Nick Anticich tells Kumanjayi Walker inquest police force needs a 'long-term cultural fix'
2 years, 4 months ago

Former Assistant NT Police Commissioner Nick Anticich tells Kumanjayi Walker inquest police force needs a 'long-term cultural fix'

ABC  

The Northern Territory Police Force faces a "long-term cultural fix" in the wake of revelations at a coronial inquest about the alleged use of racist language among officers, while allegations that excessive use-of-force was swept under the rug indicates "corruption", according to a former assistant police commissioner. Key points: Former Assistant Police Commissioner Nick Anticich says officers involved in alleged …

Coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death visits Yuendumu, including home where he died
2 years, 4 months ago

Coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death visits Yuendumu, including home where he died

ABC  

What once would have been an unremarkable home in Yuendumu, is now a shrine to young man whose death will be carried by the community for generations to come. Key points: The coroner and entire Kumanjayi Walker inquest team were invited to Yuendumu They took part in ceremonies and cultural lessons from Warlpiri Elders Formal inquest evidence will continue in …

Northern Territory coroner visits Yuendumu, as Kumanjayi Walker inquest resumes after break over anniversary of fatal shooting
2 years, 4 months ago

Northern Territory coroner visits Yuendumu, as Kumanjayi Walker inquest resumes after break over anniversary of fatal shooting

ABC  

Along a rough highway in Central Australia, lonely metal road signs are surrounded by red dirt dotted with dry grass, wildflowers and wrecked cars. Key points: Coroner Elisabeth Armitage was invited by Yuendumu elders to visit the community The inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker resumes today, after a week-long break Constable Zachary Rolfe is scheduled to give evidence …

Constable Zachary Rolfe joins Supreme Court attempt to limit police officers' evidence at Kumanjayi Walker inquest
2 years, 4 months ago

Constable Zachary Rolfe joins Supreme Court attempt to limit police officers' evidence at Kumanjayi Walker inquest

ABC  

Constable Zachary Rolfe has launched a legal bid to limit the scope of questions he can be asked when he gives evidence at the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker next week, Supreme Court documents show. Key points: Constable Rolfe is expected to appear before the coroner next week His lawyers have now joined an application in the …

Passing the halfway point, the coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death has probed the culture inside NT Police
2 years, 4 months ago

Passing the halfway point, the coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death has probed the culture inside NT Police

ABC  

"This isn't simply about Constable Rolfe," Northern Territory coroner Elisabeth Armitage said from the bench this week. Key points: The coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker is scheduled to run until early December Mr Walker died in 2019 after he was shot by Constable Zachary Rolfe Constable Rolfe was earlier this year found not guilty of all charges …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears Constable Zachary Rolfe allegedly 'boasted' about use of force in text messages
2 years, 4 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears Constable Zachary Rolfe allegedly 'boasted' about use of force in text messages

ABC  

Constable Zachary Rolfe allegedly "boasted" about performing an "illegal shoulder charge" during the arrest of a man in Alice Springs, by texting a video of his body-worn camera footage to an unnamed person, the Northern Territory coroner has heard. Former superintendent Pauline Vicary, who was one of Constable Rolfe's commanding officers in Alice Springs, reviewed and signed off on the …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears Constable Zachary Rolfe was 'repeatedly engaging in concerning behaviours' before shooting death
2 years, 4 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears Constable Zachary Rolfe was 'repeatedly engaging in concerning behaviours' before shooting death

ABC  

The Northern Territory coroner has heard Constable Zachary Rolfe "repeatedly" engaged in "concerning behaviour", including not turning on his body-worn camera and making arrests which resulted in injuries, prior to Kumanjayi Walker's death. Former Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe "didn't care about, or like Indigenous people", while his "unjustified" use of force incidents were "swept away" by superior officers, …

NT Police officer Jody Nobbs stands by decision to 'deceive' Yuendumu community on night Kumanjayi Walker died
2 years, 4 months ago

NT Police officer Jody Nobbs stands by decision to 'deceive' Yuendumu community on night Kumanjayi Walker died

ABC  

A senior Northern Territory police officer has stood by his decision not to tell the Yuendumu community that Kumanjayi Walker had died, despite numerous pleas for information from his family waiting outside the police station. Key points: Superintendent Jody Nobbs told officers not to tell Kumanjayi Walker's family he had died He told the court he was concerned about "cultural …

Ex-fiancée tells Kumanjayi Walker inquest Zachary Rolfe thought he'd get a 'paid holiday' if he shot someone
2 years, 4 months ago

Ex-fiancée tells Kumanjayi Walker inquest Zachary Rolfe thought he'd get a 'paid holiday' if he shot someone

ABC  

Constable Zachary Rolfe thought he could go on a "paid holiday" if he shot someone and "didn't care about, or like Indigenous people", the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker has heard. The court heard that after Constable Rolfe was charged with murder over the 2019 shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, Ms Campagnaro told investigating police her partner had …

Constable Zachary Rolfe's police officer friend apologises for racist text messages at coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death
2 years, 4 months ago

Constable Zachary Rolfe's police officer friend apologises for racist text messages at coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death

ABC  

A close friend and colleague of Constable Zachary Rolfe has issued an emotional apology to the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, after text messages he'd sent to the officer using terms such as "gay c**ts", "f*gs" and "n***rs" were made public. Key points: A visibly emotional Constable Mitchell Hansen apologised for using racist language The officer was …

NT coroner shown 'distressing' video of the moment Kumanjayi Walker's family was informed of his death
2 years, 4 months ago

NT coroner shown 'distressing' video of the moment Kumanjayi Walker's family was informed of his death

ABC  

"Distressing" video of the moment Kumanjayi Walker's family members were informed of his death has been played to the Northern Territory coroner, in which police are heard urging emotional loved ones not to get "angry" and calling the deceased Mr Walker by the wrong name. Key points: In the body-worn video, Sergeant Meacham King can be heard informing Kumanjayi Walker's …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest shown body-worn camera footage of previous 'use of force' incidents
2 years, 4 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest shown body-worn camera footage of previous 'use of force' incidents

ABC  

The Northern Territory coroner has been shown body-worn camera footage of Constable Zachary Rolfe allegedly using force against an Indigenous man in Alice Springs, about one month before Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot in Yuendumu. Key points: Body-worn camera footage shows officers rushing towards a man in Alice Springs and tackling him to the ground Sergeant Evan Kelly told the …

Constable Zachary Rolfe asked if body-worn cameras were on after Kumanjayi Walker's death, inquest hears
2 years, 5 months ago

Constable Zachary Rolfe asked if body-worn cameras were on after Kumanjayi Walker's death, inquest hears

ABC  

Constable Zachary Rolfe asked colleagues if their body-worn cameras were on as they gathered in the Yuendumu police station hours after Kumanjayi Walker died, an inquest into the shooting death has heard. Key points: For 14-minutes on the evening of Kumanjayi Walker's death, a police officer's body-worn camera was switched off Sergeant Adam Donaldson says he can't remember what was …

Sergeant of police team deployed to Yuendumu, used 'filthy, racist terms' in 2019, Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears
2 years, 5 months ago

Sergeant of police team deployed to Yuendumu, used 'filthy, racist terms' in 2019, Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears

ABC  

If the Northern Territory police force re-establishes a specialist tactical team based in Alice Springs, it needs to "flush out" racist language first, the Northern Territory coroner has heard. Key points: The sergeant in charge of the immediate response team referred to "bush c**ns" in a text exchange The team was disbanded not long after Kumanjayi Walker's death The coroner …

Constable Zachary Rolfe 'failed to declare' discipline issues, 'violent behaviour' fine, to police, inquest hears
2 years, 5 months ago

Constable Zachary Rolfe 'failed to declare' discipline issues, 'violent behaviour' fine, to police, inquest hears

ABC  

Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe was excluded from applying for a job at Queensland Police for 10 years after failing to disclose a fine he received for "violent behaviour" on his application, the NT coroner has revealed. Key points: The NT coroner has rejected a second attempt by Constable Rolfe's barristers to strike out evidence Constable Rolfe objected to …

Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest hears of 'significant' shortfalls in health services in Central Australia
2 years, 5 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest hears of 'significant' shortfalls in health services in Central Australia

ABC  

Across Central Australian towns and communities, 23 per cent of all nursing roles are currently sitting vacant, while almost half of the mental health-related positions in the area are unfilled. Key points: The inquest is told there are "significant struggles" in attracting health staff to Central Australia Several local health workers say they have never felt unsafe there because community …

Nurse recounts break-ins at Yuendumu health staff homes at coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death
2 years, 5 months ago

Nurse recounts break-ins at Yuendumu health staff homes at coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death

ABC  

Leaving Yuendumu on the day Kumanjayi Walker was ultimately shot by a police officer "went against everything" a remote community nurse had "ever learned", the Northern Territory coroner has been told. Key points: Cassandra Holland was one of several health staff who left Yuendumu before Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot She told the coronial inquest into Mr Walker's death she …

Yuendumu nurse recalls night of Kumanjayi Walker shooting as coronial inquest resumes
2 years, 5 months ago

Yuendumu nurse recalls night of Kumanjayi Walker shooting as coronial inquest resumes

ABC  

The coronial inquest into the police shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker has heard a remote clinic nurse "normalised" property crime, in the months before health staff evacuated the community of Yuendumu following a series of break-ins. The court heard Ms Watts felt that even if clinic staff had remained in Yuendumu, she didn't think they would have been able to …

Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot by Constable Zachary Rolfe three years ago. Here are the key moments from the inquest so far
2 years, 5 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot by Constable Zachary Rolfe three years ago. Here are the key moments from the inquest so far

ABC  

Coroner Elisabeth Armitage opened her court with a soft smile and an acknowledgement of Arrente country, the land on which the courthouse sits in Alice Springs, immediately setting the tone for the three-month inquiry ahead of her. Four weeks into the three-month inquiry, the coroner has heard evidence from 11 witnesses including police officers, Mr Walker's family and Yuendumu community …

Kumanjayi Walker arrest 'not consistent' with plan and 'outside scope' of instructions, coroner hears
2 years, 5 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker arrest 'not consistent' with plan and 'outside scope' of instructions, coroner hears

ABC  

Body worn footage from the night of Kumanjayi Walker's shooting death in Yuendumu was "not consistent" with a plan put in place to arrest the 19-year-old, a senior member of the Northern Territory police force has told a coronial inquest. Key points: Superintendent Jody Nobbs says body worn footage wasn't "consistent" with a plan agreed to before specialist team was …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears officer wouldn't have called specialist team if she had known about racist texts
2 years, 6 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears officer wouldn't have called specialist team if she had known about racist texts

ABC  

The officer in charge of the Yuendumu police station on the night Kumanjayi Walker died says she wouldn't have allowed the unit Constable Zachary Rolfe was part of into the community if she had known any members of the team had exchanged racist texts. Key points: Sergeant Julie Frost says she wouldn't have called the response team if she had …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears officers thought drawing their guns would 'escalate' axe incident, before shooting death
2 years, 6 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears officers thought drawing their guns would 'escalate' axe incident, before shooting death

ABC  

Two police officers have revisited the so-called "axe incident" that took place days before Kumanjayi Walker's shooting death, telling the coroner they didn't think the 19-year-old was a threat, even when he confronted them with a weapon during an attempted arrest. Key points: Kumanjayi Walker brandished an axe at officers, three days before he died Senior Constable Smith told the …

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker, family of Kumanjayi Walker react to 'blatantly racist' texts between Zachary Rolfe and colleagues
2 years, 6 months ago

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker, family of Kumanjayi Walker react to 'blatantly racist' texts between Zachary Rolfe and colleagues

ABC  

The Northern Territory Police Commissioner has reacted to "blatantly racist" text message exchanges between Constable Zachary Rolfe and police colleagues, saying he believes the events are "isolated" and officers would be "quite shocked" reading them. During the inquest into the death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker, the coroner's court on Wednesday heard several text message exchanges between police officers, with references …

'Blatantly racist' and 'disgraceful' texts between Zachary Rolfe and colleagues read out at Kumanjayi Walker inquest
2 years, 6 months ago

'Blatantly racist' and 'disgraceful' texts between Zachary Rolfe and colleagues read out at Kumanjayi Walker inquest

ABC  

Text message exchanges between Constable Zachary Rolfe and several police colleagues have been described as "threatening" and "blatantly racist" by a serving sergeant, as they were read out in the Northern Territory coroner's court. 'Always ready to make my camera face the other way' In another text exchange read out to the court, a fellow police officer apologised to Constable …

'Racist' texts to be examined and ex-fiancee to be called as witness, as coroner rules against Zachary Rolfe objection
2 years, 6 months ago

'Racist' texts to be examined and ex-fiancee to be called as witness, as coroner rules against Zachary Rolfe objection

ABC  

The Northern Territory coroner has ruled messages downloaded from Constable Zachary Rolfe's mobile phone, after he was arrested and charged with murder over the death of Kumanjayi Walker in 2019, could be "evidence of racism by Constable Rolfe" and his colleagues. Key points: Constable Rolfe's ex-fiance is expected to be called as a witness "Disturbing" text messages from his phone …

Police officers from major centres lack 'respect and responsibility', Yuendumu shooting inquest hears
2 years, 6 months ago

Police officers from major centres lack 'respect and responsibility', Yuendumu shooting inquest hears

ABC  

A senior Aboriginal community police officer has told the Northern Territory coroner that police from out of town are "rougher" than their bush-based counterparts and lack "respect and responsibility". Key points: The Yuendumu Aboriginal community police officer told the inquest cultural awareness training for NT police officers was inadequate Kumanjayi Walker's grandfather says he felt "traumatised" by the night his …

Family of Kumanjayi Walker feared another police shooting after his death, inquest hears
2 years, 6 months ago

Family of Kumanjayi Walker feared another police shooting after his death, inquest hears

ABC  

Kumanjayi Walker's family felt they would have to "prove" they were on their "best behaviour" and feared another police shooting, as they waited for answers outside the Yuendumu Police Station after the 19-year-old was shot by an officer. Key points: The coroner was shown videos taken of a crowd that waited for information outside Yuendumu police station on the night …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears Constable Zachary Rolfe's use of force was 'not reasonable' on five occasions
2 years, 6 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears Constable Zachary Rolfe's use of force was 'not reasonable' on five occasions

ABC  

The inquest into the 2019 police shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker has heard a use of force expert concluded Constable Zachary Rolfe had a "tendency to rush into situations with a disregard for his or others safety". Key points: Counsel assisting intends to table a review of Constable Rolfe's use of force The coroner heard Mr Walker's experience in youth …

Coronial inquest into death of Indigenous 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker begins in Alice Springs
2 years, 6 months ago

Coronial inquest into death of Indigenous 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker begins in Alice Springs

ABC  

Almost three years ago, two young men became household names in the worst possible way. Key points: Kumanjayi Walker was shot three times by Constable Zachary Rolfe in November 2019 Constable Rolfe was acquitted of murder after a five-week trial in March this year The coroner will spend the next three months examining the circumstances of his death The family …

Kumanjayi Walker's family revisits 'terrifying' night he died as inquest begins in Alice Springs
2 years, 6 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker's family revisits 'terrifying' night he died as inquest begins in Alice Springs

ABC  

In an emotional start to a three-month coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, the Northern Territory coroner heard first hand from members of the Warlpiri man's family about the night he died, urging the court to hear their voices. Key points: Members of Mr Walker’s family addressed the court and called for urgent action The coroner said she …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest no longer starting in Yuendumu at family's request
2 years, 7 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest no longer starting in Yuendumu at family's request

ABC  

The inquest into the death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker, who was shot by a Northern Territory police officer in 2019, will no longer begin in his home community of Yuendumu. Key points: Family have requested the inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker no longer begin in his community He died after being fatally shot by Constable Zachary Rolfe in …

Northern Territory Coroner acknowledges grief of Yuendumu community ahead of inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death
2 years, 11 months ago

Northern Territory Coroner acknowledges grief of Yuendumu community ahead of inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death

ABC  

The Acting Northern Territory Coroner has acknowledged the "grief and shock" felt by community members after the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, in the first hearing ahead of a coronial inquest into his death. Key points: A coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker will be held in Central Australia from September 5 Mr Walker was shot by NT …

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