Australian police officer charged with Aboriginal teenager’s murder

Kumanjayi Walker died in police station as family waited outside asking about his condition

Teenager's death has sparked protests in cities across Australia. (EPA/KELLY BARNES AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT)

A police officer has been charged with the murder of an Aboriginal teenager at a remote community in Australia's Northern Territory (NT).

Kumanjayi Walker was shot shortly after police arrived at a house in Yuendumu, a small town around 190 miles of Alice Springs. The 19-year-old was wanted for breaching his suspended sentence.

“During that time a struggle ensued and two shots were fired and he sadly passed away later,” NT acting deputy commissioner Michael White told local media.

The teenager died in the police station at Yuendumu on Saturday night, as his relatives waited outside seeking answers about his condition.

Constable Zachary Rolfe has now been charged with his murder.

It has since emerged medical care was unavailable in the town at the time because there were no staff at its clinic.

A NT health department spokesperson said employees had “raised safety concerns” on the morning before his death after a period of “community unrest”.

After Mr Walker died, medical staff from another town arrived.

Mr Rolfe has now been suspended from work on full pay and his union, the NT Police Association said he would plead not guilty.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders communities and allies with their hands painted red march during a protest in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 13 November 2019. (EPA/DAVID CROSLING AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT)

The teenager's death has sparked protests across the country with thousands taking to the streets of Australian cities. A candlelight vigil was also held in Alice Springs.

Demonstrations also took place outside Yuendumu's police station and court. Some held signs and others chanted: “Justice for Walker”.

Warlpiri elder Harry Jakamarra Nelson told the crowd: “Please, we come in peace. We want to know the truth. No more lies. That incident last week hit us like a rocket. We didn’t know what to do, we were shocked. At this gathering I’m telling you, once again, this is a peaceful rally.”

NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner also acknowledged the Yuendemu community – 85 per cent of whom identify as indigenous – was “hurting and grieving”.