Kumanjayi Walker family’s $400,000 appeal to attend coronial inquest

Kumanjayi Walker’s family are raising money in the lead up to the coronial inquest investigating his shooting by Zachary Rolfe.

THE family of slain teenager Kumanjayi Walker are raising money in the lead up to the coronial inquest to investigate his shooting by Police Constable Zachary Rolfe.

A Go Fund Me appeal to allow the Walker family and Yuendumu community leaders to attend a three-month coronial inquest has been launched.

Mr Walker’s cousin, Samara Fernandez said his family was prepared to continue their fight and “speak our truth”.

Constable Zach Rolfe fatally shot 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker during a botched arrest attempt on November 9, 2019.

In March, the NT Police officer was acquitted on all three charges of murder, manslaughter and engaging in a violent act resulting in death.

Ms Fernandez said the toll on the Walker family had been great, but they were not giving up on their fight for justice.

Rolfe

“We were learning how to fight but trying to grieve at the same time” she said.

“Our family and community have been in a state of mourning ever since.

“We feel let down by the system but hope the coronial inquest will give us the answers to long-awaited questions and allow us to speak our truth.”

Ms Fernandez said the fundraiser would allow the family and community leaders to attend the upcoming three-month coronial inquest, due to begin in September.

On Tuesday, the coronial inquest announced that plans to hold the first two days of the inquest in Yuendumu had been scrapped “because of difficulties” in the community.

The full inquest will be held in Alice Springs, meaning loved ones of Walker needed support to attend the lengthy hearing.

Ms Fernandez said it was critical that his family and community leaders were at the inquest.

“Being present ensures we are being heard and speaking for Kumanjayi, who can no longer speak for himself,” she said.

“Being in attendance means that we understand all the circumstances that lead to Kumanjayi’s death to ensure no other family needs to endure what we have.”

“(It’s) an experience we never want any other family to go through. There are no real words to describe our pain.

“Despite this, we will always fight for Kumanjayi. This is not the end of his story.”

Ms Fernandez said the family’s goal of $400,000 would support them through the coronial inquest, allowing for legal costs, travel and stay of family and community representatives throughout the coronial inquest.

She said 18 family and community members wished to listen as the lead up to the shooting of the 19-year-old was again detailed.

Ms Fernandez said some of the expenses would be used to fund campaign materials for a vigil and protest as the inquest ran.

The family of Mr Walker also raised funds to attend the lengthy Supreme Court murder trial.

Ms Fernandez said that support was “invaluable” for the Darwin hearings.

“It allowed for independent evidence collection and supported Kumanjayi’s funeral,” she said.