Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article mentions the names of deceased Indigenous individuals, included with their families’ consent.
A candlelight vigil was held at Sydney Town Hall in memory of a young Warlpiri man who died in police custody in Alice Springs last week.
The 24-year-old man from Yuendumu, now identified as Kumanjayi White, passed away on Tuesday after being restrained by police officers on the floor of a supermarket during a confrontation.
According to his family, Kumanjayi White had disabilities, was vulnerable, and was residing in supported accommodation in Alice Springs, away from his home community of Yuendumu, due to his care needs.
Northern Territory Police reported that plain-clothed officers responded after White allegedly assaulted a security guard who had approached him over suspected shoplifting.
Warlpiri elder and grandfather Ned Jampjinpa Hargraves said his jaja (grandson) needed assistance and should not have been treated as a criminal because of his disability.
As National Reconciliation Week came to an end, speakers at Sunday’s vigil emphasized the need for unity among First Nations people to reflect on and grieve White’s death.
Dunghutti activist Paul Silva, the nephew of David Dungay Jnr — who died in custody at Sydney’s Long Bay Prison Hospital in 2015 — called for national attention on systemic issues affecting Indigenous Australians.
“This man was vulnerable,” said Silva.
“Tonight we mourn and stand in solidarity with his family and community. We are dedicated to seeking justice not just for his loved ones but for all Aboriginal people who have died in custody.”
White’s death is being treated as a death in custody, though a preliminary autopsy conducted on Wednesday could not determine a cause of death.
A vigil also took place in Alice Springs on Friday. That same day, NT Police dismissed calls for an independent investigation.
Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst stated he would head the internal police inquiry, with oversight provided by NT Police’s Professional Standards Command.
