The family of Kumanjayi Walker have pleaded for answers to the Aboriginal teenager’s death during the first day of hearings at a coronial inquest in Mparntwe (Alice Springs).
It’s been almost three years since 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker died in the remote community of Yuendumu after being shot three times by NT Police Officer Zachary Rolfe during an attempted arrest.
A five-week trial in Darwin last year found Constable Zachary Rolfe not guilty on all charges, including murder.
Mr Walker’s cousin Samara Fernandez-Brown, who was in the community the night he was shot, told the inquest she was outside the police station waiting for answers, but none came.
Elders Ned Jampajinpa Hargraves and Robin Japanangka Granites also gave evidence.
The coronial inquest plans to examine several issues, including whether there had been a militarisation of the NT Police or if there was evidence of any systemic racism within the service.
News report by Philippe Perez.