Warlpiri Elder Demands Answers After grandson’s Death in Alice Springs Police Custody

‍ ⁤ Updated may 29, 2025

A Warlpiri Elder is calling for transparency and‍ accountability following the⁢ death of⁢ his 24-year-old grandson after a police incident⁢ at a Coles supermarket⁣ in Alice Springs. The ⁢death has sparked community outrage and demands for the release of CCTV footage.

Identified as Uncle Ned, the elder stated that the family is devastated ⁤and seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding⁤ the death. he said the young man, who had a disability and lived in supported ‍accomodation, died after being restrained ⁢by police inside the supermarket. the incident is under ⁢inquiry.

The family is demanding ⁢immediate release of CCTV and body-worn camera footage to understand what⁤ happened. The death occurred during Australia’s Reconciliation Week and on the anniversary of George Floyd’s death, adding to the community’s distress.

Uncle Ned questioned the police’s use of force on a vulnerable ⁢young man and the absence of his carers.He ⁢also ⁤criticized the police for allegedly portraying his ⁤grandson as a criminal in public statements made soon after the incident. ⁣The incident raises concerns about police conduct and disability support in Alice Springs.

Northern ⁣Territory Police reported that officers responded to a ⁤report of ‍alleged theft. Assistant Commissioner Martin⁢ Dole said the man was taken to the ground and remained there ⁢for several minutes before becoming unresponsive. First aid, ⁢including CPR, was ‍administered, but the man was later declared dead⁤ at Alice Springs Hospital.

“We know ⁢that he was⁤ held down … until he lost consciousness and perished,” Uncle Ned said. “But at the moment we⁢ are‍ in the dark about what really happened.”
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Uncle ned also voiced broader concerns about the treatment of Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory, citing high incarceration rates and ‍recent policy decisions. He ⁤criticized the withdrawal of funding from a community-led Law and Justice Group in Yuendumu and the lack of support for the Kurdiji Wita Yuendumu Cultural Authority. The incident ⁣highlights ongoing issues of Aboriginal justice and self-determination in the region.

What’s next

The community plans ⁢to continue advocating for justice, accountability, and self-determination following the death. ‍A critical incident investigation is underway, overseen by the NT Police Professional Standards Command. The family and⁢ community await the release of CCTV footage as they ⁤seek answers and push for systemic⁤ change.