Family hopes for change as inquest draws to an end
The family of a teenager who was killed by a police officer in a deadly manner wants “real, accountability and justice” after years of coronal investigation.
In November 2019, Kummanjayi Walker was shot three times at a close distance in a house in Yuendumumu, Northern Regional Town Yuendumu.
Walker’s cousin Samara Fernandez-Brown, 19-year-old Warlpiri-Luritja man’s death ruined the society.
“We miss him and feel depth every day, he will stain our country for generations,” he said.
In March 2022, NT High Court was acquitted of Mr Rolfe, the jury of Mr Walker. Since then, he has left the police force.
During the Koronal investigation, which faced several delays, text messages between Mr. Rolfe and his colleagues emerged by NT corruption observer as racist award certificates that triggered an investigation at the beginning of 2024.
Fernandez-Brown said that it was a tiring, shocking and destructive process for the family and society, which will be distributed in Yuendumumu on Monday while preparing for the findings of Coroner Elisabeth Armitage.
“Racism killed Kummanjayi. He said.
“Nevertheless, none of them were kept to explain the death of Kummanjayi.
He continued: “After many years, his heart was broken and exhausted, but we hope the change will come.”
During the investigation, Mr. Walker’s family asked for an independent police ombudsman, to determine their own destiny for Yuendumu and other Aboriginal communities, to investigate the culturally safe alternatives in prison and punishing police, the prohibition of weapons in the community and the extreme interaction of the ABORJİN people.
Senior Warlpiri Old Nampijinpa Hargraves, NT police commissioner Martin Dole or other officials aiming to go to Yuendumu for findings should come unarmed and “empty words” should not be.
“If (Dole) says he’s not just welcome – how many times I’m sorry and they still hurt us.” He said.
“If Dole would be different with real replacement news.
“But now they give more weapons to more police to hit our people.”
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