NT Police decline charges in Kumanjayi White's death in custody; family demands justice
Consensus Summary
Northern Territory Police announced on 26 May 2026 that no charges would be laid against the two officers involved in the death of 24-year-old Warlpiri man Kumanjayi White, who died on 27 May 2025 after being restrained in an Alice Springs Coles supermarket. The decision, made by the Director of Public Prosecutions, followed a thorough investigation and an independent use-of-force review, with prosecutors concluding there was no reasonable prospect of a successful prosecution. White’s family, who had been advocating for justice and an independent investigation, expressed profound grief and anger, stating they had 'no hope' and announcing a week-long media blackout. The family was informed of the decision by police during a last-minute visit to their community in Lajamanu, without prior notice or permission, and without the father’s family in Alice Springs being notified. The cause of White’s death remains undetermined, with the coronial inquest expected later in 2026. Police Commissioner Martin Dole acknowledged the decision would cause significant distress and urged the community to respond peacefully, while also noting the officers involved remain active members of the force. The announcement occurred amid heightened tensions in Central Australia, following the recent death of 5-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, and sparked renewed calls for police accountability and reform in handling deaths of Indigenous Australians in custody.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Kumanjayi White, a 24-year-old Warlpiri man with cognitive disabilities, died on 27 May 2025 while being restrained by two Northern Territory Police officers in an Alice Springs Coles supermarket.
- Northern Territory Police announced on 26 May 2026 that no charges would be laid against the two officers involved in White’s death, citing a lack of evidence and the Director of Public Prosecutions' decision that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution.
- The family of Kumanjayi White released a statement expressing heartbreak, anger, and frustration, saying 'We have got no hope. When will we have our justice? How can we keep living like this?' and announced a week-long 'blackout' from media.
- Police Commissioner Martin Dole acknowledged the decision would cause 'significant distress, pain and anger' for White’s family and Aboriginal communities across Central Australia.
- The coronial investigation into White’s death is ongoing, with a directions hearing scheduled for next month and the inquest expected in the second half of 2026.
- The two officers involved in White’s death remain working members of the NT Police Force, with one officer reportedly on leave at the time of the announcement.
- The family was informed of the decision by police via a last-minute visit to Lajamanu, without prior notice or permission, and without the father’s family (who were in Alice Springs for the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby) being informed.
- The NT Police engaged an independent expert to conduct a use-of-force review as part of the investigation, and the DPP considered this report along with other evidence before deciding not to lay charges.
- The cause of Kumanjayi White’s death remains 'equivocal' and will be examined during the coronial inquest.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Federal MP Marion Scrymgour echoed calls for accountability and an independent probe, noting the recent death of 5-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby had heightened tensions in Central Australia.
- Victorian independent senator Lidia Thorpe held a press conference, stating 'There’s no accountability, no justice for my people ever' and highlighting over 600 Aboriginal deaths in custody since the 1991 royal commission, with no police officers held accountable.
- The family’s statement included the phrase 'We are sick of bring treated unequally – Wajumpa.'
- The NT Police acknowledged the timing of the announcement was emotionally charged, occurring on the eve of the one-year anniversary and National Sorry Day.
- Police Commissioner Dole confirmed the officers were informed of the outcome and provided support, and that the DPP’s advice was received only the day before the announcement.
- The family’s statement mentioned 'grief, on top of grief, on top of grief' due to the recent death of Kumanjayi Little Baby.
- Commissioner Dole revealed Queensland Police provided the additional use-of-force review requested by NT prosecutors and deemed the use of force appropriate.
- The NT Police are reviewing policies guiding interactions with people with disabilities in preparation for the inquest.
- Commissioner Dole said the police investigation 'absolutely' criminally exonerated the officers, though broader recommendations may come from the coronial inquest.
- The article emphasizes the family’s immediate reaction of being 'heartbroken, we’re angry' and their demand for justice, framing the announcement as a 'lash' at police.
- The cause of death was described as occurring after White 'lost consciousness a short time later' following restraint, with initial first aid and CPR provided before he was rushed to hospital.
- The headline and brief summary do not provide additional details beyond the announcement of no charges being laid, without further context or quotes.
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- The Guardian and ABC state the family was informed of the decision via a visit to Lajamanu, but the ABC adds that the father’s family in Alice Springs was not informed, while the Guardian does not specify this detail.
- The ABC and Newscomau state the cause of death remains 'equivocal,' but the Guardian does not explicitly mention this term, focusing instead on the DPP’s decision and the coronial process.
- The ABC notes Queensland Police provided the use-of-force review, while the Guardian and Newscomau do not mention this specific detail.
Source Articles
No charges to be laid for police officers involved in death in custody of Kumanjayi White
A day before the one-year anniversary of Kumanjayi White's death, Northern Territory Police has announced no charges will be laid for the two officers involved.
NT police will not lay charges against officers over Kumanjayi White’s death while being restrained at Coles
Police commissioner acknowledges outcome causes ‘significant distress’ for 24-year-old Warlpiri man’s family and wider community Warning: This article contains references to Indigenous Australians who have died Northern Territory police will not lay any charges against officers after an Indigenous man died while being restrained in an Alice Springs supermarket in 2025. Kumanjayi White, a 24‑year‑old Warlpiri man who lived with cognitive disabilities, died on 27 May last year during a confrontati
Live: Kumanjayi White family 'heartbroken' no charges laid over custody death
Northern Territory Police are providing an update about the investigation into the death of Kumanjayi White, a 24-year-old Warlpiri man who died after being restrained by two police officers in an Alice Springs supermarket last May.
No charges against NT Police after Indigenous man Kumanjayi White’s death in custody
An Indigenous family is “heartbroken” after being updated on the investigation into their son’s death in police custody at an Alice Springs supermarket.
Police say cause of Kumanjayi White's death in custody still not known
The Northern Territory police commissioner says the cause of 24-year-old Kumanjayi White's death in custody remains undetermined, with the criminal case against the officers who restrained him now closed.