Content Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised the following includes the names of First Nations people who have passed away.
The family of Kumanjayi White have been left with more questions after learning that police chose not to prosecute the officers involved in his death.
Kumanjayi White, a 24-year-old Warlpiri man, died after being restrained by two officers in a Coles supermarket in Alice Springs in May 2025.
One year after his death in May 2026, representatives of the Northern Territory Director of Public Prosecutions and Northern Territory Police informed the family that no charges would be laid.
The family was not told who made the decision not to prosecute or the full reasons why. Supported by the National Justice Project, they started proceedings in the Northern Territory Supreme Court for the release of documents identifying the decision-maker.
The legal action has now been discontinued after NT Police informed the family’s lawyers of the identity of the officer that made the final decision.
The grandfather of Kumanjayi White, Ned Jampijinpa Hargraves, said:
“Me and my family have been asking for an independent inquiry into this horrific case for over a year, since the awful day that we lost Kumanjayi. I just 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 any one about my Jaja’s death.
“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. We want to know that. Any family is entitled to know that.
“Our lawyers are continuing to investigate whether the decision of the NT Police can be challenged in the Courts but we can’t say any more than that right now. We want transparency, justice and accountability for Kumanjayi White.”
George Newhouse, CEO at National Justice Project, said:
“This is not over. The family of Kumanjayi White deserve transparency and accountability.
“The fact that this decision was made within NT Police raises serious questions that must be answered. When a person dies in police custody, there must be public confidence that any decision about potential criminal charges is independent and transparent.
“Kumanjayi White’s family has a right to know why charges were not pursued, what charges were considered and why they were ruled out. Those questions remain unanswered, and we will continue to seek justice.”
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