An Indigenous teen’s family have expressed anger and sorrow after the NT policeman who shot dead their beloved son refused to answer inquest questions.

November 17, 2022

The family of an Indigenous teenager shot dead by a Northern Territory policeman has vented its frustration after the officer refused to answer controversial inquest questions over fears they could expose him to disciplinary action.

Constable Zachary Rolfe shot Kumanjayi Walker, 19, three times during a bungled arrest in Yuendumu, northwest of Alice Springs, on November 9, 2019.

The 31-year-old was summoned to give evidence on Wednesday at the Alice Springs inquest but invoked the penalty privilege when counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer questioned him about a racist text message sent to another officer.

He also claimed privilege over questions about the night he killed Mr Walker, his alleged excessive use of force and other racist, sexist and homophobic messages found on his phone.

All told, he declined to answer 14 categories of questions and Coroner Elisabeth Armitage temporarily stood him down until after a Supreme Court hearing about whether he can be compelled to give evidence.

His refusal to provide information outraged and saddened Mr Walker’s family, who are desperate for justice for their beloved son.

“He needs to give us answers. There shouldn’t be any secrets. It makes me really sad. It’s not fair,” Mr Walker’s grandfather, Steven Marshall, said in a statement

“If it was (an Aboriginal man he) wouldn’t get this chance to not tell the truth.”

Lottie Robertson called Const Rolfe a coward and said “he should admit everything he has done”.

“They think he is a hero,” the grandmother of Mr Walker’s girlfriend, Rickisha Robertson, said.

“Avoiding the truth will get him nowhere. He is guilty of everything he has done … he needs to answer for it.”

Const Rolfe was found not guilty in March of murdering Mr Walker after a five-week Supreme Court trial.

He told the inquest on Wednesday that he resumed working with the NT Police Force in July but was banned from all police stations and is currently on sick leave for the foreseeable future.

Mr Walker’s mother, Leeanne Oldfield, also expressed her sorrow over Const Rolfe’s decision, saying she remains haunted by her son’s death.

“I really really miss him. I am still hurting inside, I cry when I think about Kumanjayi,” she said.

“It’s not fair that Rolfe doesn’t get to answer.

“He was the man that went to Yuendumu. He took his life away, so he needs to tell the truth.”

Elder Warren Williams said it was a disappointing day for Mr Walker’s family and community.

“The disrespect shown by Zachary Rolfe to continually deny answering questions is offensive after all this time and evidence,” the community leader, who is also Mr Walker’s grandfather, said.

“We the family are not satisfied. We want the truth.”

The inquest continues on Thursday.