News Muncher - searching for death

1 month, 1 week ago

Inquest into toddler's drowning death exposes 'astonishing', 'disturbing' and 'inexcusable' council failures

ABC

An inquest into the accidental drowning death of a toddler in Kintore in 2020 has identified "astonishing", "disturbing" and "inexcusable" failures by the MacDonnell Regional Council. As the group was leaving the pool, Ms Armitage said team leader Paula Nadas did "a scan of the area and located all six children" before becoming distracted. Ms Armitage said moments later, lifeguard …

Risk Council Pool Armitage Eliza Goetze Six Children Kumanjayi

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 …

Court House Ive Walker Inquest Abc Coroner

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 …

Death Evidence Court Inquiry Walker Inquest Scheduled

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 …

Court Walker Inquest Racist Alice Springs Zachary

1 year, 4 months ago

Deborah and Joshua Mason admit to criminal cover-up of fatal hit-and-run on the Stuart Highway

ABC

A mother and son duo who tried to cover up the hit-and-run death of an Aboriginal woman, by moving and burying most of her body in Darwin’s rural area, have pleaded guilty to a string of serious charges. Key points: A human leg was found on the side of the Stuart Highway last year, sparking a search for remains Kumanjayi …

Court Body Highway Mother His Mother Her Body Darwin

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 …

Death Shooting Report Walker Inquest Constable Proctor

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 …

Supreme Court Court Statement Force Walker Zachary Mccue

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 Told Commissioner Force Walker Inquest Photo

1 year, 9 months ago

Yuendumu prepares for the inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death to resume in Alice Springs

ABC

As the sunset turns the open sky a deep shade of purple, the outback community of Yuendumu is relatively quiet. Mr Wilson, who gave evidence to the inquest into Mr Walker's death last year, doesn't shy away from the troubles Yuendumu faces: there's violence and unrest, shocking levels of overcrowding and poverty, as well as crime that has previously driven …

Community Death Evidence Court Wilson Walker Inquest

2 years ago

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker attends final day of Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest hearings for the year

ABC

On the final day of this year's sittings of the inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, Northern Territory Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker attended the hearings for the first time to "acknowledge" the proceedings. Key points: Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker spent time speaking to members of Kumanjayi Walker's family before attending court He spent a few minutes listening to the …

Community Commissioner Final Walker Inquest Mr Walker Final Day

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 …

Death Young People Walker Inquest Coroner Mr Walker Shanks

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 …

Military Incidents Officers Force Walker Police Officers 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 …

Evidence Lawyers Officers Walker Inquest Questions Answer

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 …

Investigation Told Force Walker Inquest Coroner Zachary

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 …

Bail Officer Walker Inquest Coroner Zachary Constable

2 years, 1 month 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 …

Community Death House Walker Inquest Coroner Mr Walker

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 …

Supreme Court Evidence Court Supreme Inquest Questions Coroner

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 …

Death Supreme Court Told Excessive Force Walker Inquest Springs

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 …

Court Man Text Officer Force Walker Inquest

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, …

Officer Force Senior Walker Inquest Coroner Sergeant

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 …

Death Messages Told Officer Walker Inquest Hansen

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 …

Family Death Video Shooting Told Walker King

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 …

Welfare Told Walker Inquest Donaldson Zach Coroner

2 years, 2 months ago

Constable James Kirstenfeldt tells Kumanjayi Walker inquest 'better' arrest plan could have avoided tragedy

ABC

The attempted arrest of Kumanjayi Walker was "very much a failure" and should have involved better planning, clear communication and a risk assessment, a member of the arrest team has told the Northern Territory coroner. Key points: A member of the immediate response team says a risk assessment and formal briefing should have occurred Constable James Kirstenfeldt rejected suggestions he …

Plan Officers Better Walker Arrest Inquest Heard

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Articles for Kumanjayi, search results for death

Inquest into toddler's drowning death exposes 'astonishing', 'disturbing' and 'inexcusable' council failures

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

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

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

Deborah and Joshua Mason admit to criminal cover-up of fatal hit-and-run on the Stuart Highway

Suppression order lifted over police report into death of Kumanjayi Walker

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

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

Yuendumu prepares for the inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death to resume in Alice Springs

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker attends final day of Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest hearings for the year

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Constable James Kirstenfeldt tells Kumanjayi Walker inquest 'better' arrest plan could have avoided tragedy