Kumanjayi Walker inquest shown body-worn camera footage of previous 'use of force' incidents
2 years, 2 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 coroner he thinks the use of force was "appropriate" Zachary Rolfe has been acquitted of all charges relating to the death of Kumanjayi Walker WARNING: This article contains body-worn footage that some viewers may find confronting. Constable Mark Sykes, a colleague of Constable Rolfe, was also present for the incident and told the coroner he had been interviewed by officers in mid-2021 about the "potential excessive use of force". Text suggests Rolfe 'prepared to feign something', coroner hears The court also heard a text exchange between Constable Rolfe and a superior officer suggested he was "prepared to feign something" and "act up" for his body-worn camera.

Camera Man Told Force Walker Coroner Footage Sergeant Sykes Constable Rolfe Yuendumu Kumanjayi Walker Constable Rolfe Constable Sykes Sergeant Kelly  shown  camera  walker  incidents  force  constable  sergeant  inquest  bodyworn  coroner  man  previous  rolfe  told  sykes  footage  kumanjayi

History of this topic

'Racist, misogynist, homophobic': NT Police Force lawyers make explosive allegations about former officer Zachary Rolfe at Kumnajayi Walker inquest
3 weeks, 6 days 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 …

Zachary Rolfe allegedly 'dishonest', 'ego-driven' and held 'overtly racist attitudes', NT coroner told in Kumanjayi Walker inquest final submissions
4 weeks ago

Zachary Rolfe allegedly 'dishonest', 'ego-driven' and held 'overtly racist attitudes', NT coroner told in Kumanjayi Walker inquest final submissions

ABC  

Former NT police constable Zachary Rolfe allegedly held "overtly racist attitudes" and was "undisciplined", "dishonest", "ego-driven" and "contemptuous of authority" prior to the shooting of Aboriginal man Kumanjayi Walker, the Northern Territory coroner has heard. Counsel assisting the coroner Peggy Dwyer SC addressed the court first on Wednesday, submitting that some aspects of Mr Rolfe's behaviour as a police officer …

After years of covering NT courts, the Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest was unlike anything I've seen
6 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?
6 months, 4 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
9 months, 3 weeks 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
9 months, 4 weeks 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’s former tactical team boss fronts coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker shooting
10 months ago

Zachary Rolfe’s former tactical team boss fronts coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker shooting

ABC  

In short: NT Police Sergeant Lee Bauwens told the inquest he had "no excuse" for using the word "c**ns" in a text message to Zachary Rolfe in 2019. NT Police Sergeant Lee Bauwens told the inquest he had "no excuse" for using the word "c**ns" in a text message to Zachary Rolfe in 2019. A Senior Northern Territory Police officer …

Suppression order lifted over police report into death of Kumanjayi Walker
1 year, 7 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, 8 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 …

Constable Zachary Rolfe's 'excessive' force incidents discovered too late for disciplinary action, Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears
1 year, 9 months 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
1 year, 9 months 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 …

Statement released by Constable Zachary Rolfe says he will be 'medically retired' by NT Police, defends racist text messages
1 year, 10 months ago

Statement released by Constable Zachary Rolfe says he will be 'medically retired' by NT Police, defends racist text messages

ABC  

Constable Zachary Rolfe says the Northern Territory police force intends to "medically retire" him, in a lengthy public statement released days before the inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker resumes. Key points: Constable Rolfe was found not guilty of murdering Indigenous man Kumanjayi Walker last year He has been on leave from the NT Police Force since a coronial …

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

Police with military training 'more comfortable' using force, Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears
2 years, 1 month ago

Police with military training 'more comfortable' using force, Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears

ABC  

Police officers who have military training are "more comfortable" using force than their colleagues without, the Northern Territory coroner has heard. Key points: Retired commander David Proctor carried out the early coronial investigations into the shooting He said police with a military background did not necessarily use force more often than those without The coroner heard Constable Zachary Rolfe’s 46 …

Lawyers for Constable Zachary Rolfe argue against giving evidence at Kumanjayi Walker inquest
2 years, 1 month 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, 1 month 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 …

New details of Zachary Rolfe's arrest and out-of-hours bail hearing emerge at Kumanjayi Walker inquest
2 years, 1 month ago

New details of Zachary Rolfe's arrest and out-of-hours bail hearing emerge at Kumanjayi Walker inquest

ABC  

The police officer who headed the murder investigation into Constable Zachary Rolfe has told the Northern Territory coroner he was "uncomfortable" investigating a fellow cop and denied being "particularly accommodating" in arresting the officer over the shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker. Key points: Superintendent Kirk Pennuto was the first police officer in charge of the criminal investigation into Constable Zachary …

Constable Zachary Rolfe appears at Kumanjayi Walker inquest, claims legal right not to answer questions about 'arguably racist' texts
2 years, 1 month ago

Constable Zachary Rolfe appears at Kumanjayi Walker inquest, claims legal right not to answer questions about 'arguably racist' texts

ABC  

Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe has appeared for the first time at the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, where he claimed he has a legal right not to answer questions about several matters, including "arguably racist" text messages and use of force incidents. Key points: Constable Zachary Rolfe was found not guilty of all charges relating …

Constable Zachary Rolfe joins Supreme Court attempt to limit police officers' evidence at Kumanjayi Walker inquest
2 years, 1 month 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, 1 month 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 …

Zachary Rolfe 'unlikely' to have been recommended for NT Police if 'omissions' from application were known
2 years, 1 month ago

Zachary Rolfe 'unlikely' to have been recommended for NT Police if 'omissions' from application were known

ABC  

Zachary Rolfe was "unlikely" to have been recommended for the Northern Territory Police Force if recruiters had known he left previous disciplinary action in the Australian Army off his application, the coroner has been told. Key points: Constable Rolfe did not disclose prior ADF disciplinary action in his application to the NT Police Force He also failed, initially, to disclose …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears Constable Zachary Rolfe allegedly 'boasted' about use of force in text messages
2 years, 1 month 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, 1 month 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, 1 month 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, 1 month 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, 1 month 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, 1 month 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 …

Constable Zachary Rolfe asked if body-worn cameras were on after Kumanjayi Walker's death, inquest hears
2 years, 2 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, 2 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, 2 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 was fatally shot by Constable Zachary Rolfe three years ago. Here are the key moments from the inquest so far
2 years, 2 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, 2 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 …

Coroner hears of 'social gathering' at Zachary Rolfe's house, two days after Kumanjayi Walker shooting
2 years, 2 months ago

Coroner hears of 'social gathering' at Zachary Rolfe's house, two days after Kumanjayi Walker shooting

ABC  

A "social gathering" at Zachary Rolfe's house two days after the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker was "wholly inappropriate" and had the "potential to contaminate" Constable Rolfe's evidence, the coroner has heard. Key points: Police gathered at Constable Zachary Rolfe's house days after the shooting Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst said the use of racist language among police officers is not …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears officers thought drawing their guns would 'escalate' axe incident, before shooting death
2 years, 3 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, 3 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, 3 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, 3 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, 3 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 …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears Constable Zachary Rolfe's use of force was 'not reasonable' on five occasions
2 years, 3 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, 3 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, 3 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, 4 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 …

The 'past conduct' of police officer Zachary Rolfe will be explored during coronial inquest into death of Kumanjayi Walker
2 years, 6 months ago

The 'past conduct' of police officer Zachary Rolfe will be explored during coronial inquest into death of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC  

The Northern Territory Coroner will look into the "past conduct" of Constable Zachary Rolfe and police responses to excessive force complaints in an inquest into the death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker, a court has heard. Key points: Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot during an attempted arrest in 2019 Constable Zachary Rolfe was acquitted of murder after a five-week trial A …

NT Police Commissioner rejects political interference claims in Constable Zachary Rolfe murder charge
2 years, 9 months ago

NT Police Commissioner rejects political interference claims in Constable Zachary Rolfe murder charge

ABC  

The Northern Territory’s Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker says he was “as shocked as anybody” by the decision to charge Constable Zachary Rolfe with murder four days after the death of Warlpiri man Kumanjayi Walker. Key points: The NT Police Commissioner says investigators and the DPP made the decision to charge Zachary Rolfe over the fatal shooting in Yuendumu Constable Rolfe …

NT Police investigated Zachary Rolfe for alleged perjury but decided not to pursue charge, court documents show
2 years, 9 months ago

NT Police investigated Zachary Rolfe for alleged perjury but decided not to pursue charge, court documents show

ABC  

Northern Territory Police was investigating Constable Zachary Rolfe for alleged perjury on another matter around the time of the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, but did not pursue the charge due to a lack of evidence, court documents show. Key points: The perjury probe was launched after a judge said Constable Rolfe "lied" during a court case in Alice Springs …

Here's what the jurors in the murder trial of Constable Zachary Rolfe weren't allowed to hear before handing down their verdict
2 years, 9 months ago

Here's what the jurors in the murder trial of Constable Zachary Rolfe weren't allowed to hear before handing down their verdict

ABC  

For five weeks in the Northern Territory Supreme Court, a jury of 12 men and women listened to more than 40 witnesses give evidence during one of the country's most closely watched murder trials. Key points: Constable Zachary Rolfe was found not guilty of murder after a five-week trial Kumanjayi Walker was shot in Yuendumu during an attempted arrest in …

NT police officer Zachary Rolfe made false statements to justify use of force, prosecutors told court
2 years, 9 months ago

NT police officer Zachary Rolfe made false statements to justify use of force, prosecutors told court

ABC  

Newly released court documents show prosecutors claimed Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe asked a detective to scratch him in the face to justify his use of force in an arrest almost two years before the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker. Key points: During the five-week trial, prosecutors were not allowed to put certain claims to the jury Following last …

Zachary Rolfe said his police unit had 'no rules' and did 'cowboy stuff' prior to fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker
2 years, 9 months ago

Zachary Rolfe said his police unit had 'no rules' and did 'cowboy stuff' prior to fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC  

The NT Supreme Court has lifted a non-publication order on text messages that show Constable Zachary Rolfe described his job as "cowboy stuff with no rules" several months before the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker in Yuendumu. Key points: Constable Rolfe was a member of the Alice Springs-based Immediate Response Team The IRT was deployed to Yuendumu in November 2019 …

NT Police Association accuses government of 'political interference', calls for investigation into Zachary Rolfe's murder charge
2 years, 9 months ago

NT Police Association accuses government of 'political interference', calls for investigation into Zachary Rolfe's murder charge

ABC  

The head of the NT's police union is calling for an independent investigation into the decision to charge Constable Zachary Rolfe with murder four days after the death of Warlpiri man Kumanjayi Walker. Key points: The NT police union says there was "never" enough evidence to charge Zachary Rolfe with murder Constable Rolfe was found not guilty of all charges …

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