NT ICAC considering inquiry into Constable Zachary Rolfe's arrest over fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker
2 years, 9 months ago

NT ICAC considering inquiry into Constable Zachary Rolfe's arrest over fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC  

The Northern Territory's anti-corruption commissioner says he is considering whether to open an inquiry into the arrest of Constable Zachary Rolfe over the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker in Yuendumu two years ago. Key points: Kumanjayi Walker died after being shot three times during an attempted arrest Constable Zachary Rolfe was charged with murder four days after the shooting Following his acquittal, there have been claims of political interference in his prosecution Following a five-week trial, a jury last week found Constable Rolfe not guilty of murder and two alternative charges in relation to Mr Walker's death in the remote community on November 9, 2019. A shooting in Yuendumu Photo shows a young man with facial hair Constable Zachary Rolfe is a free man after a jury on Friday found him not guilty of murdering 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker. "I am aware of previous statements by this office relating to the ICAC's involvement in the NT Police investigation and ultimate arrest of Mr Rolfe," Mr Riches said.

Shooting Arrest Icac Constable Nto Rolfe Yuendumu Kumanjayi Walker Constable Rolfe Constable Zachary Rolfe Mr Riches  fatal  yuendumu  rolfes  mr  inquiry  riches  constable  icac  rolfe  walker  shooting  arrest  kumanjayi  investigation  zachary  nt

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 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 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 …

Zachary Rolfe informed NT police force intends to dismiss him, sources say
1 year, 8 months ago

Zachary Rolfe informed NT police force intends to dismiss him, sources say

ABC  

Zachary Rolfe has been informed the Northern Territory police force intends to dismiss him, sources have told the ABC. Key points: Sources have told the ABC that Zachary Rolfe has been issued a letter, informing him of the NT police force's intention to dismiss him from the force The ABC understands the notice relates to a 2,500-word statement attributed to …

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 …

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 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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 ICAC probe to focus on four days leading up to the arrest of Constable Zachary Rolfe
2 years, 8 months ago

NT ICAC probe to focus on four days leading up to the arrest of Constable Zachary Rolfe

ABC  

In that short window of time, the world shifted on its axis for some in the Northern Territory – a young man was dead, and the police officer who shot him, charged with murder. Three weeks since Constable Zachary Rolfe's acquittal from all charges relating to the death of 19-year-old Warlpiri man Kumanjayi Walker by a NT Supreme Court jury, …

Northern Territory's ICAC announces investigation into Constable Zachary Rolfe's arrest over fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker
2 years, 8 months ago

Northern Territory's ICAC announces investigation into Constable Zachary Rolfe's arrest over fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC  

The Northern Territory's anti-corruption commissioner has announced he will investigate the decision to arrest and charge police officer Zachary Rolfe over the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker in 2019. Key points: Constable Zachary Rolfe was acquitted of all charges over the shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker Constable Rolfe was charged with murder four days after the shooting There have been …

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 …

Zachary Rolfe trial reignites push for Northern Territory law reform
2 years, 9 months ago

Zachary Rolfe trial reignites push for Northern Territory law reform

ABC  

The spotlight on the Supreme Court murder trial of Northern Territory Police Officer Zachary Rolfe has reignited a push to reform Territory laws, including around the makeup of juries and the engagement of Indigenous Territorians with the justice system. The Northern Territory Law Reform Committee first recommended reforms to get more Indigenous Territorians on juries in 2013 More than one …

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 …

NT police officer Zachary Rolfe has been found not guilty of all charges. Here's what the jury had to consider
2 years, 9 months ago

NT police officer Zachary Rolfe has been found not guilty of all charges. Here's what the jury had to consider

ABC  

After a month-long trial and more than two years since the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, NT police officer Zachary Rolfe has been found not guilty of murdering the 19-year-old Warlpiri man during an attempted arrest. Key points: A jury has found Constable Zachary not guilty of murder as well as the alternative charges of manslaughter and violent act causing …

NT opposition calls for inquiry into murder charge against NT police officer Zachary Rolfe following not guilty verdict
2 years, 9 months ago

NT opposition calls for inquiry into murder charge against NT police officer Zachary Rolfe following not guilty verdict

ABC  

The Northern Territory Opposition is calling for an inquiry into the decision to charge Constable Zachary Rolfe with murder, accusing NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner of the "appearance" of political interference. Key points: The CLP leader says the Chief Minister must answer "serious questions" over comments he made before Constable Zachary Rolfe was charged with murder The NT police union …

NT police officer Zachary Rolfe found not guilty of murder over fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker
2 years, 9 months ago

NT police officer Zachary Rolfe found not guilty of murder over fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC  

Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe has been cleared of all charges over the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker during an attempted arrest in the remote community of Yuendumu. Key points: The jury delivered a unanimous decision after just under seven hours of deliberations Constable Rolfe hugged his lawyer and family after the verdict was announced in the NT …

Jury in Zachary Rolfe murder trial shown video of Kumanjayi Walker threatening police with axe days before fatal shooting
2 years, 10 months ago

Jury in Zachary Rolfe murder trial shown video of Kumanjayi Walker threatening police with axe days before fatal shooting

ABC  

Jurors in the murder trial of Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe have been shown footage of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker threatening other officers with an axe days before he was fatally shot by Constable Rolfe. Key points: Constable Christopher Hand said he chose not to draw his gun when confronted with Kumanjayi Walker brandishing an axe Defence lawyers put it …

Discover Related