The family of a Warlpiri man who died in police custody in Alice Springs is advocating for an independent investigator to look into the circumstances surrounding his death. They are also calling for the release of video footage related to the incident. The man, aged 24 and with disabilities, passed away on Tuesday after police apprehended him in an Alice Springs supermarket. His family wants Northern Territory police to stop making public statements or media briefings that speculate on the cause of death or cast aspersions on the character of the deceased until a court, coroner, or independent investigation has made findings.
In a letter, the family requests that an independent body from a different state or territory be appointed to conduct the investigations in a “culturally safe manner.” Additionally, they want police to immediately provide all relevant CCTV footage and body-worn camera footage involving the deceased. The family is concerned that comments by the police are undermining the investigation and causing distress. The solicitor representing the family, George Newhouse, has written to the acting police commissioner, Martin Dole, expressing these concerns.
Northern Territory police have refuted calls for an independent investigation, stating that the incident is being investigated by their major crime division, following strict protocols and with transparency. The investigation will also undergo an independent review by the NT coroner.
There was a confrontation between the man and a security guard, with police alleging that the man was shoplifting. The man was restrained by police, lost consciousness, and later died after being given CPR. His death echo memories of the 2019 death of Kumanjayi Walker, who was shot by a police officer, and the phậnnce of the forthcoming findings of the coronial inquest into Walker’s death might be postponed.
The Indigenous Australians minister, Malarndirri McCarthy, suggests that an independent investigation may be necessary to address the concerns of misinformation and to alleviate the compounded grief and anger felt by families in such situations. Several organizations offer support and resources for Indigenous Australians dealing with crisis situations and mental health issues.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/30/family-of-warlpiri-man-who-died-after-being-restrained-by-police-in-supermarket-demand-independent-inquiry-ntwnfb
