Inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker Report
The Coronial Inquest into the death of 19-year-old Warlpiri-Luritja man Kumanjayi Walker began on 5 September 2022, with final findings handed down on 7 July 2025, almost three years after the inquest commenced.
The Coronial Inquest into the death of 19-year-old Warlpiri-Luritja man Kumanjayi Walker began on 5 September 2022, with final findings handed down on 7 July 2025, almost three years after the inquest commenced. Across 66 hearing days, the inquest heard evidence from 72 witnesses, examining the circumstances surrounding Kumanjayi’s fatal shooting by Northern Territory Police Constable Zachary Rolfe in Yuendumu on 9 November 2019. The extensive investigation considered police conduct, the events leading to Kumanjayi’s death, systemic racism and longstanding concerns about the treatment of Aboriginal people by police. The final findings, delivered by Coroner Judge Elisabeth Armitage, comprise a 683-page report containing 32 recommendations for change.
Among the most significant findings, the Coroner concluded that Kumanjayi’s death was avoidable, identified the fatal encounter as a case of officer-induced jeopardy, found that Constable Rolfe was racist and identified hallmarks of institutional racism within NT Police. The report also exposed failures in police accountability, previous instances of unnecessary force against Aboriginal men and boys, and failures to follow a safer arrest plan.
For Kumanjayi’s family and the Yuendumu community, this inquest was about more than a report or a set of recommendations. It was about seeking truth, having our voices heard and demanding accountability for the loss of a young loved one. The findings carry significance far beyond Yuendumu, speaking to the ongoing need for justice, cultural respect, safety and meaningful change for First Nations people. The full 683-page Coronial Findings Report is available below.