The National Justice Project has written to Northern Territory Police on behalf of Warlpiri elder Ned Jampijinpa Hargraves, demanding an independent investigator be appointed to examine the death of his 24-year old grandson in an Alice Springs supermarket on May 27, 2025.
CEO George Newhouse wrote to the Acting Police Commissioner following the tragic death in custody stating the family has the right to expect investigations will be conducted with transparency, impartiality and respect for both the deceased and his grieving relatives.
The family of the deceased man has formally requested:
- The Northern Territory Police immediately cease making public statements or media briefings that speculate on the cause of death or denigrate the character of the deceased
- The NT Police issue a public correction or retraction of any such statements already made, particularly where they suggest criminality or aggression on the part of the deceased in the absence of any finding by a court or coroner or other independent investigation
- That the NT police appoint an independent body from another State or Territory to undertake internal investigations in a culturally safe manner
- That the family immediately be granted access to all relevant CCTV and body-worn camera footage involving the deceased prior to and during his time in custody
Media coverage
- Alice Springs man dies in custodyÂ
ABC Radio AM, 28 May 2025 - Family of Warlpiri man who died after being restrained by police in supermarket demands independent inquiry
The Guardian, 30 May 2025 - Kumanjayi White’s family continue demands for CCTV footage of Alice Springs death in custody
ABC News, 4 June 2025 - A scuffle in the lolly aisle. The sickening death toll climbs. Another family face gut-wrenching grief
The Guardian, 4 June 2025 - Police investigating if “any criminality was involved’ in Kumanjayi White death in custodyÂ
NT News, 4 June 2025
