28-05-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Alice Springs death: Man restrained in supermarket dies in police custody
Wurst said one of the guards was assaulted before two plain-clothed police tried to help.
'The male behaved rather aggressively and was placed onto the ground by those police officers. He was later identified as losing consciousness,' Wurst said.
The assistant commissioner was unable to say if the man indicated he was struggling, or how long he was on the ground for, as the investigation was 'still in its nascent phase'.
Thorpe said her heart was with those grieving the death of the young man.
'He was a disabled man, on the NDIS, and under state guardianship. He was hungry, and he needed care. Instead, he was met with brutal force,' Thorpe said.
'For decades, our people have called for an end to this violence — for justice, accountability, and care instead of cruelty. But still, our voices are ignored.'
Thorpe said the man had died during National Reconciliation Week.
'This is not an isolated tragedy — it's part of a brutal pattern where our people die at the hands of police and in prisons... Yet despite countless recommendations, inquiries and promises, our people continue to die in custody,' she said.
'We demand justice. We demand answers.'
In a statement on Wednesday, Malarndirri McCarthy said she had been in contact with the man's family.
'I have spoken with an Elder from the young man's family and have expressed my deepest sympathy,' she said.
'My thoughts are with all of his family, loved ones and community. The family is waiting for further information as the investigation is ongoing'.
In today's shadow cabinet reshuffle, Liberal Senator for South Australia Kerrynne Liddle was named Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians. Liddle has been contacted for comment on the man's death.
Thirty people have died in custody since January 1, eight of whom were Indigenous, according to data from the Australian Institute of Criminology's National Deaths in Custody Program.
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