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Articles for Kumanjayi, search results for trial

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 …

Court House Ive Walker Inquest Abc Coroner
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 …

Death Shooting Report Walker Inquest Constable Proctor
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 …

Death Young People Walker Inquest Coroner Mr Walker Shanks
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 …

Investigation Told Force Walker Inquest Coroner Zachary
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 …

Bail Officer Walker Inquest Coroner Zachary Constable
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 …

Supreme Court Evidence Court Supreme Inquest Questions Coroner
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 …

Court Man Text Officer Force Walker Inquest
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, …

Officer Force Senior Walker Inquest Coroner Sergeant
Constable James Kirstenfeldt tells Kumanjayi Walker inquest 'better' arrest plan could have avoided tragedy
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
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 …

Walker Heard Racist Coroner Sergeant Constable Eberl
'Overtly racist' and 'disturbing' Rolfe texts should be included in Kumanjayi Walker inquest, coroner hears
2 years, 3 months ago

'Overtly racist' and 'disturbing' Rolfe texts should be included in Kumanjayi Walker inquest, coroner hears

ABC  

Eight-thousand pages of messages were downloaded from Constable Zachary Rolfe's phone, including some that were "disturbing" and "disgraceful", after he was arrested and charged with murder over the death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker in 2019, the Northern Territory coroner has heard. "The text messages reveal very disturbing attitudes … in relation to the use of force, or proposed use of …

Evidence Text Messages Walker Inquest Coroner Dwyer
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 …

Family Court Told Died Inquest Coroner Zachary
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 …

Community Death Trial Court Walker Inquest Coroner
Northern Territory Coroner acknowledges grief of Yuendumu community ahead of inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death
2 years, 8 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 …

Death Walker Inquest His Death Coroner Mr Walker Nt Police
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 …

Murder Trial Evidence Court Burns Messages Jury
NT judge lifts suppression orders after Zachary Rolfe found not guilty over shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker
2 years, 9 months ago

NT judge lifts suppression orders after Zachary Rolfe found not guilty over shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC  

The Northern Territory Supreme Court has lifted all suppression orders in relation to Zachary Rolfe's murder trial, including some material the judge says may potentially damage the police officer's reputation. Key points: Media outlets, including the ABC, applied for the lifting of all suppression orders relating to Constable Rolfe's case Constable Rolfe's defence barrister argued against three matters being made …

Court Orders Judge Material Strickland Constable Text Messages
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 …

Law Community Trial Reform Indigenous Indigenous People Jury
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 …

Murder Court Verdict Charged Guilty Nt Police Gunner
Jury retires in murder trial of NT police officer Zachary Rolfe over fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker
2 years, 9 months ago

Jury retires in murder trial of NT police officer Zachary Rolfe over fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC  

The jury in the murder trial of Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe has retired to consider its verdict over the fatal shooting of Yuendumu man Kumanjayi Walker. Key points: Constable Rolfe has pleaded not guilty to murder as well as two alternative charges The officer shot 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker three times during an attempted arrest The jury has heard …

Murder Charge Burns Jury Officer Guilty Walker
Murder trial told Zachary Rolfe feared for his and fellow officer's life before fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker
2 years, 9 months ago

Murder trial told Zachary Rolfe feared for his and fellow officer's life before fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC  

Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe has told his murder trial he feared for his life and that of his colleague when he fatally shot Yuendumu man Kumanjayi Walker during an attempted arrest. Key points: On his second day on the stand, Constable Rolfe gave his account of the fatal shooting in November 2019 He told the court he feared …

Shooting Life Court Second Told Walker His Hand
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 …

Court Walker Arrest Hand Trying Draw Constable
Kumanjayi Walker murder trial is a rarity in NT for an Indigenous death in custody. Why has it taken so long?
4 years, 1 month ago

Kumanjayi Walker murder trial is a rarity in NT for an Indigenous death in custody. Why has it taken so long?

ABC  

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of deceased people. The Northern Territory court decision this week to commit Police Constable Zachary Rolfe to stand trial for the shooting death of 19-year-old Warlpiri man Kumanjayi Walker marks a historic moment in accountability for First Nations deaths in custody. It is the first time …

Death Murder Trial Deaths Court Custody Man