Autopsy accomplished in case of Kumanjayi White’s loss of life in custody | USAEMALL.com

WARNING: This article contains the names of First Nations people who have died

The autopsy of an Indigenous man who died after being detained by police at a supermarket in Alice Springs has been completed as the community desperately await answers.

Warlpiri man Kumanjayi White, 24, died after being restrained by two off-duty police officers at a Coles supermarket in Alice Springs on May 27 following what police described as an altercation with a security guard.

Four months on, and NT Police Acting Commissioner Martin Dole said a brief of evidence, which includes the autopsy, is now sitting with the NT Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

NT Police earlier said they received reports an of altercation with Mr White after he allegedly placed “items down the front of his clothing”.

Police allege one of the security guards was assaulted during the ensuing altercation before Mr White was placed on the ground by two plainclothes police officers who intervened. He lost consciousness a short time later.

Initial first aid, including CPR, was provided before police said Mr White was rushed to Alice Springs Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

In an update into the investigation on Monday, Mr Dole said the NT DPP would determine whether charges would be laid against any of the officers involved.

“The DPP will make decisions and determinations whether or not charges will proceed … and we’ll continue to liaise with the family as has been the case all the way along,” he said.

He added that it was “not a matter for NT Police” and explained that it was “important everyone understands the independence of that process”.

“I know that there will be anger and hurt in the days and weeks ahead, and I want to appeal for calm and for the respect as a process by the Director of Public Prosecutions runs its course,” he said.

“Now is the time for patience to allow the independent authorities to do their job and ensuring that Kumanjayi White’s family and other affected families are given the space and support that they deserve.”

Mr Dole explained the delays included waiting for independent medical evidence.

“That’s now been received and a thorough and comprehensive brief has been compiled and given to the DPP,” he said.

He said NT Police would not be commenting specifically on the autopsy.

Meanwhile, a funeral was held for Mr White last Friday, and the family was visited by police and briefed over the weekend, Mr Dole said.

In June, hundreds rallied across Sydney and Brisbane to “demand justice” following Mr White’s death, with earlier vigils held at Alice Springs, Melbourne, and Cairns.

The coronial investigation remains ongoing.