Inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker
Deceased
Kumanjayi Walker
Demographics
19y, male
Date of death
2019-11-09
Finding date
2023-11-22
Cause of death
Gunshot wounds inflicted by Constable Zachary Rolfe during police operation in Yuendumu
AI-generated summary
Kumanjayi Walker, a 19-year-old Aboriginal man, died in police custody on 9 November 2019 in Yuendumu, Northern Territory, after being shot three times by Constable Zachary Rolfe during an arrest attempt. Rolfe was charged with murder but acquitted in March 2022. This coronial finding addresses whether the coroner should recuse herself after Constable Rolfe applied alleging apprehended bias based on three matters: the Yuendumu visit where community members expressed views about justice, the amendment to a non-publication order affecting Professional Standards Command access to evidence, and correspondence asserting legal professional privilege between the coroner and Counsel Assisting. The coroner rejected all grounds for recusal. She found that participating in cultural ceremonies, listening to grieving community members, and administrative orders regarding evidence disclosure do not demonstrate bias, and that private communications between a coroner and counsel assisting are permissible and necessary for proper coronial investigation.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- Police response to alleged unlawful entry at House 511
- Deployment of Immediate Response Team to remote Aboriginal community
- Lack of warning before police entry into dwelling
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