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Prosecutors to consider charges as police end investigation into Kumanjayi White's death

A mandatory coronial investigation into the death in custody of Kumanjayi White remains ongoing.

A man in a dark shirt with embroidery and the word POLICE written on it speaking inside

Acting NT police commissioner Martin Dole refused to reveal the cause of Kumanjayi White's death. Source: SBS News / Josh van Staden

Warning: this article contains the name of a First Nations person who has died.

The Northern Territory Police Force says it has finished its criminal investigation into the death of Kumanjayi White, revealing on Monday it received a final autopsy report into the Warlpiri man's death in Alice Springs.

"As part of our obligations we've compiled a full and comprehensive brief of evidence which has now been provided to the director of public prosecutions (DPP)", acting NT police commissioner Martin Dole said.

At a press conference in Darwin, Dole refused to reveal the cause of White's death.

"That needs to be considered by the DPP without influence," he said.

The NT's DPP will now decide whether to charge either of the police officers involved in the arrest and subsequent death in custody of White.

A mandatory coronial investigation remains ongoing.

NT police force's cultural reform command director Leanne Liddle said the community of Yuendumu hosted White's funeral on Friday, while calling for calm.

"I know that there will be anger and hurt in the days and weeks ahead, and I want to appeal for calm and respect as the process by the Director of Public Prosecutions runs its course."


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2 min read

Published

By Josh van Staden

Source: SBS News



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