#JusticeForWalker
Justice for Kumanjayi Walker
The journey so far.
“Coronial inquest set to recommence, with Rolfe to return and complete his evidence before oral submissions will be made by all of the parties
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“Coronial inquest delayed until 27 May 2024
Rolfe due to complete his evidence but due to technical difficulties and a number of other interruptions (including objections) the long running coronial inquest was adjourned until 27 May 2024 when Rolfe is expected to complete his evidence.
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“Rolfe finally resumes giving evidence to the coronial inquest.
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“Kumanjayi Walker inquest to recommence
Bauwens finally gives evidence. Bauwens, was the then Officer in Charge of the Immediate Response Team that Rolfe was part of, which was deployed to Yuendumu the day of the shooting. ”
“Rolfe filed submissions with the court trying to narrow the scope of his cross examination.”
“Coroner Armitage refuses the application to recuse herself, rejecting the allegations of perceived bias. ”
“The final week of evidence in the inquest is delayed due to Rolfe’s bias application.
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“Rolfe asks the Coroner to recuse herself
Just weeks before he is due to appear as the final witness, Zachary Rolfe asks the Coroner to recuse herself due to ‘apprehended bias’. NT Police say this is an attempt to delay the inquest and avoid giving evidence.
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“A social media post shows Zachary Rolfe on holiday in Bali with Ben Roberts-Smith, with a caption joking about being “murderers and war criminals”. ”
“NT Court of Appeal dismisses Rolfe’s attempt to avoid giving evidence at the inquest based on “penalty privilege”. [Optional quote to include if there is space] Kumanjayi’s cousin Samara Fernandez-Brown said “We believe in order to gain the truth about our loved one’s death and move towards change, Rolfe must answer for his actions. There is no moving forward or justice without the full truth and accountability.” ”
“ The Coroner refuses to allow an expert report from First Nations academics on structural racism in policing and health services to be used as evidence in the inquest. ”
“Zachary Rolfe is fired from NT Police
Zachary Rolfe is fired from NT Police - not for racist or violent behavior, but for breach of media policy.”
“Elders and community members who have occupied the courthouse lawns are recognised for their extraordinary commitment to the inquest process and its outcome.
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“The inquest resumes for a further two weeks of evidence. ”
“NT Supreme Court rules Rolfe and Bauwens can be forced to front Kumanjayi Walker inquest. Rolfe appeals to the NT Court of Appeal.”
“ Rolfe starts giving evidence in the coronial inquest, until he claims “penalty privilege” and joins the case brought by Sergeant Lee Bauwens, who sought an injunction restraining the Coroner and other parties from calling him to “give evidence or answer questions on matters that could give rise to a claim for penalty privilege”.”
“The Coronial Inquest visits Yuendumu to listen to grieving family and community members, and to better understand Kumanjayi’s life. ”
“Coroner decides that Rolfe’s racist text messages will be included in evidence during the inquest. ”
“Over three months of hearings, the Coroner hears from witnesses including Kumanjayi’s family, Yuendumu Elders, and Aboriginal experts on self-determined justice solutions and community-led alternatives to police. ”
“Coronial Inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker commences. [Optional quote to include if there is space] Coroner Armitage - “During this inquest, I’m inviting everyone to look a little deeper, and listen a little longer, because I think there is more to learn from, and more we need to try and understand about this story.”
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“Family, Elders and community members speak out about their pain and vow to keep fighting for justice and accountability.
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“After deliberating for less than seven hours, the jury finds Zachary Rolfe not guilty of any charges. There are no Aboriginal members of the jury. ”
“Rolfe murder trial commences
The murder trial of Zachary Rolfe begins in the NT Supreme Court. The trial lasts 5 weeks and hears from over 40 witnesses.
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“NT Supreme Court decides evidence showing Rolfe had used excessive force during previous arrests cannot be used in the trial. His text messages showing disregard for policing rules are also excluded. ”
“High Court of Australia rules Rolfe cannot rely on “good faith” police immunity to defend the charges against him. ”
“The High Court decided that the murder trial should be delayed until the High Court can consider an appeal by the Prosecution. The appeal related to a decision of the NT Supreme Court to allow Rolfe to rely on the “good faith” defence.
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“Murder trial of Rolfe is delayed
The murder trial of Rolfe is delayed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions affecting travel of the prosecution team. The trial was originally scheduled for Monday 26 July 2021. ”
“Family and community mark one year since Kumanjayi Walker was killed. ”
“Rolfe committed to stand trial for Kumanjayi Walker’s murder.
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“Family and community mark what would have been Kumanjayi Walker’s 20th birthday with renewed calls for justice. ”
“Three-day committal hearing, followed by Rolfe’s legal team making a “no-case submission”. ”
“1000 people protest
More than 1,000 people protested against the police shooting of Kumanjayi Walker in Mparntwe/Alice Springs. Protests and vigils spring up across the country demanding a full and independent investigation. Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians - Ken Wyatt - attended a meeting with community members, described by Elders as “disappointing”.
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“Rolfe is charged with murder. Charged at 6:47pm and granted bail by 9:30pm the same evening in an “out-of-session local court hearing”. Warlpiri Elder Ned Hargreaves - “If Indigenous people did something like this, he would not have a chance to get a bail, to go live with his family.””
“Kumanjayi’s body was transported to Mparntwe/Alice Springs by car, after the police had deceived family into believing he was taken on the plane to the hospital the night before. Senior police go to Yuendemu to meet with the community, and hear concerns about the independence of the investigation into Kumanjayi Walker’s killing.”
“Kumanjayi Walker Dies
On the day of his grandfather’s funeral Kumanjayi Walker is shot three times inside his home by NT police officer Zachary Rolfe. There are no medical staff in Yuendumu to help, and Kumanjayi passes away inside the police station while his family and friends outside beg to see him. He is just 19 years old. The community is heartbroken. ”