Darius Miller in court after fatal Peppimenarti crossbow shooting

One of two men charged after a fatal crossbow shooting in the remote Peppimenarti community applied for bail during a brief appearance in court. Read what was decided.

A man charged after a fatal arrow shooting in Peppimenarti linked to escalating unrest in the community has been granted bail.

Darius Miller, 22, was charged with recklessly endangering life, engaging in violent conduct, aggravated assault and damaging property.

It comes after a 36-year-old was fatally pierced with an arrow on September 13.

Police will allege Miller’s charges are not directly related to the deceased.

Just before midnight on September 13, police allege the man died after he was shot with the weapon in Peppimenarti, about 320km from Darwin, in the West Daly region.

Following the incident, Major Crime Senior Sergeant Paul Morrissey said the alleged incident was believed to be connected to ongoing disputes between families in the region.

Police have been aware of unrest in Peppimenarti since at least November 2021.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Morrissey said the alleged incident was believed to be connected to ongoing disputes in the West Daly region. Picture: Floss Adams.

Chief Judge Elizabeth Morris on Tuesday granted Miller bail from Wednesday with strict conditions that he “travel forthwith” to Emu Point, 45 minutes west of Peppimenarti, where he will live with family.

He must also not return to Peppimenarti or Wadeye unless instructed to.

Josh Bach, acting for Miller, recognised the “very serious” nature of the charges against the 22-year-old and highlighted his lack of criminal record.

Peppimenarti, where a man was fatally in an incident believed to be connected to ongoing disputes between families in the West Daly region.

“It’s of course conceded that it’s a very serious allegation,” he said.

“He is a very young man … he’s never been in trouble before, certainly never been locked up in custody before.”

Opposing bail, prosecutor Brianna Craggs said there were concerns for victim safety.

“This is serious allegations before the court,” Ms Craggs said.

Miller is the second person to be charged after the death, with Michael Singar appearing in court on Thursday charged with manslaughter.

The 18-year-old is accused of fatally wounding the older man with an arrow.

He did not apply for bail but his lawyer John Blackley said an application may be made at a later date.

Miller and Singar will both appear again in Darwin Local Court in November.