NT police decline charges in Kumanjayi White's death while restrained in Coles supermarket
Consensus Summary
Northern Territory police announced on 26 May 2026 that no charges would be laid against officers involved in the death of 24-year-old Warlpiri man Kumanjayi White, who died while being restrained in an Alice Springs Coles supermarket on 27 May 2025. The Director of Public Prosecutions concluded there was insufficient evidence for a successful prosecution after reviewing a brief of evidence, including an independent use-of-force report. White’s family, who were informed of the decision via a last-minute police visit to their remote community of Lajamanu, expressed devastation and called for justice, stating they would enter a week-long media blackout. The family also highlighted ongoing grief over the recent death of 5-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby. Both officers involved remain active members of the NT Police Force, and the coronial investigation into White’s death is ongoing, with evidence including CCTV and other materials. Protests and vigils have occurred across the Northern Territory in response to the decision, with calls for greater police accountability and an independent review of the incident.
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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 plainclothes NT police officers in a Coles supermarket in Alice Springs.
- NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole announced on 26 May 2026 that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided not to lay charges against the officers, citing insufficient evidence for a successful prosecution.
- The DPP considered a brief of evidence, including an independent expert report on the use of force, before concluding there were no reasonable prospects of prosecution.
- White’s family was informed of the decision via a last-minute police visit to Lajamanu, his mother’s community, on 26 May 2026, without prior notice or permission.
- White’s family released a statement calling for justice, 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.
- The coronial investigation into White’s death is ongoing and expected to be held later in 2026, with evidence including CCTV and other materials forming part of the inquiry.
- Both officers involved in White’s restraint remain active members of the NT Police Force, with one officer reportedly on leave at the time of the incident.
- White’s death occurred during a confrontation involving a security guard, with police alleging White was shoplifting before the altercation.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Federal MP Marion Scrymgour echoed calls for accountability and an independent probe, referencing the recent death of 5-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby as part of ongoing unrest in Central Australia.
- Deputy Director of Cultural Reform Leanne Liddle stated the family had been provided with support since the 2025 death and during recent weeks in Alice Springs.
- Victorian Senator Lidia Thorpe held a press conference, stating over 600 Aboriginal people had died in custody since the 1991 royal commission, with no police officer ever held accountable.
- The family’s statement included the phrase 'Wajumpa,' meaning 'enough' in Warlpiri, expressing exhaustion with unequal treatment.
- The article emphasizes the family’s immediate reaction: 'We’re heartbroken, we’re angry,' and highlights the lack of transparency in how police informed the family.
- No additional details on the coronial process or cultural reform efforts beyond what is in the consensus facts.
- Commissioner Dole acknowledged the investigation took a 'significant period of time' due to complexity, including the need for an independent use-of-force review.
- The family’s statement noted they were in 'sorry business' for Kumanjayi Little Baby, with grief compounded by the news of no charges.
- ABC reported that mourners left flowers outside the Coles supermarket where White died, and that the family’s father’s side was not informed due to their presence in Alice Springs for Little Baby’s sorry business.
- Commissioner Dole urged the community to respond peacefully and respectfully, warning of the potential impact of public commentary on the coronial process.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian and ABC state the family’s father’s side was not informed of the decision due to their presence in Alice Springs for Kumanjayi Little Baby’s sorry business, but this detail is not mentioned in Newscomau.
- The Guardian and ABC mention that the officers involved were plainclothes officers, while Newscomau refers to them as 'off-duty police officers,' which may imply a difference in their official status at the time.
Source Articles
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
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.
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.