Family of Indigenous Man Who Died in Police Custody Vows to Keep Fighting for Answers After New Information Reveals ‘Double Standard’ in Justice System
- Kumanjayi White’s family discontinues legal action after receiving new information about decision not to prosecute police officers involved in his death
- Family demands answers on why NT Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst made the final decision not to lay charges
- Case sparks outrage and allegations of ‘double standard’ in justice system after NT DPP hands over federal MP’s assault case to Commonwealth prosecutors
- Indigenous community rallies behind White family, with over 100 members gathering for vigil in Alice Springs
The family of Kumanjayi White, a 24-year-old Indigenous man who died in police custody, has vowed to continue fighting for answers after receiving new information about the decision not to prosecute the police officers involved in his death.
The family had launched legal action against the NT Police Force seeking more information about the decision, but discontinued the case after receiving the new information.
Kumanjayi White died in May 2025 after being restrained by two police officers in the confectionary aisle of the Coles supermarket in Alice Springs.
The NT Police Force had earlier stated that no charges would be laid against the officers involved, following advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
However, the White family’s lawyer, George Newhouse, claimed that the DPP’s decision to hand over the case of federal MP Luke Gosling’s alleged assault of the NT Administrator to Commonwealth prosecutors was a ‘double standard’, given that the White family had long been calling for an independent investigation.
The family’s grandfather, Ned Jampijinpa Hargraves, expressed frustration and disappointment at the lack of transparency in the decision-making process.
“I don’t know why we had to get lawyers to go to the Supreme Court just to find out who made the decision not to charge anyone about my jaja’s death,” he said.
“Now that we know who made the decision, we still want to know the reasons behind the decision, we want to know what charges did the Acting Assistant Commissioner actually consider and the reasons why each of those charges were ruled out.”
The case has sparked outrage and allegations of a ‘double standard’ in the justice system.
Security analysts say that the decision not to prosecute the police officers involved in Kumanjayi White’s death raises serious concerns about accountability and transparency in the NT Police Force.
“The fact that the NT Police Force can investigate themselves and then decide not to lay charges is a clear conflict of interest,” said one analyst.
“The family deserves answers, and the community deserves to know that the justice system is fair and impartial.”
Law enforcement insiders warn that the case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the NT Police Force. “The use of force by police officers must be subject to independent scrutiny and oversight,” said one insider.
“The community needs to have confidence that the police are acting in their best interests, and that they will be held accountable for their actions.”
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The case of Kumanjayi White’s death in police custody has significant implications for Indigenous communities and public safety in Australia.
The lack of transparency and accountability in the NT Police Force’s decision-making process raises serious concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the justice system.
The case also highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the use of force by police officers, and the need for independent scrutiny and oversight.
Industry observers believe that the case will have far-reaching consequences for the NT Police Force and the justice system as a whole.
“The case will likely lead to calls for greater accountability and transparency in the NT Police Force, and may lead to changes in the way that police investigations are conducted,” said one observer.
“The community will be watching closely to see how the NT Police Force responds to the allegations of a ‘double standard’ in the justice system.”
Black Deaths in Custody Indigenous Affairs Police Accountability Australian Bureau of Statistics Australian Institute of Criminology
