Adelaide silk David Edwardson to defend NT cop on murder charge

Lawyers for Constable Zachary Rolfe, who is charged with murder over the death of Kumanjayi Walker in Yuendumu, will apply to have the case shifted to Darwin because of the emotion-charged atmosphere in Alice Springs.

Barrister David Edwardson QC will defence NT Police Constable Zachary Rolfe in his murder trial. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

Lawyers for Constable Zachary Rolfe, who is charged with murder over the shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker in Yuendumu, will apply to have the case shifted to Darwin because of the emotion-charged atmosphere in Alice Springs.

The application will be made in Alice Springs Magistrates Court on Thursday when Constable Constable Rolfe makes his first appearance, a month after he was charged with the murder of Mr Walker, 19.

Protests are expected in Alice Springs, with additional police on standby as Yuendumu residents and Mr Walker’s family and supporters attend the directions hearing.

The NT News can also reveal South Australia’s top criminal barrister, David Edwardson QC, has been engaged to defend Constable Rolfe on the murder charge.

Constable Rolfe was given bail after being charged and allowed to leave the NT to reside in Canberra with his family. Picture: Grenville Turner

Mr Walker died after he was allegedly shot during an attempted arrest on November 9.

Four days later, Constable Rolfe, 28, was charged with murder – prompting questions from the NT police union and the Police Federation of Australia.

The incident sparked protests in the Aboriginal community at Yuendumu and in Alice Springs and Darwin.

Constable Rolfe was given bail after being charged and allowed to leave the NT to reside in Canberra with his family.

The application to shift the proceedings to Darwin is aimed at avoiding emotion-charged scenes and ensuring the case proceeds on more neutral ground.

The decision to charge Constable Rolfe with murder – made in conjunction with the NT Director of Public Prosecutions – prior to the investigation being completed sparked concern among police across the country.

Kumanjayi Walker, 19, died after he was allegedly shot during an arrest attempt. His death sparked protests across Australia. Picture: Facebook

In the days after the shooting, PFA chief executive Scott Weber said Constable Rolfe had the association’s full support.

“This has been a tragic incident, there has been a death, but in saying that too, we have a police officer whose life and career has been taken away from them as well,” Mr Weber said.

“Police officers go out there to protect the community every day. What is occurring now is police officers are going out on the street and they’re second-guessing themselves.’’

The NT Police investigation is being overseen by WA Police Assistant Commissioner Nick Anticich, who is already on secondment with NT Police.

He is overseeing the investigation run by the Major Crime Squad and Professional Standards Command.

The NT police investigations are being oversighted by the NT Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, the Ombudsman and the coroner.

Mr Edwardson has mounted successful defences in many national and local high-profile criminal cases over the past decade.

In 2012, he successfully defended Perth barrister Lloyd Rayney, who was charged with the murder of his wife Corryn in 2007. He was acquitted after a lengthy trial.

In another high-profile case last year, Mr Edwardson successfully defended former state government bureaucrat Dr Jurgen Michaelis against abuse of public office charges following an ICAC investigation.