The tragic death of an Indigenous woman in police custody has sparked concerns and calls for justice. The Northern Territory Police report the incident as a 'medical episode', but questions remain about the lack of a nurse on duty to monitor her health. The woman, aged 44, was found unconscious during a routine cell check at the Tennant Creek watch house on Saturday afternoon. Despite efforts to revive her, she was rushed to the hospital but tragically passed away.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley provided insights into the events leading up to the tragedy. The woman was arrested for an alleged aggravated assault on Thursday evening and underwent a custody health assessment. Cell checks were conducted at 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM, with no unusual interactions reported. However, during the next scheduled check, she was found unresponsive, suggesting a sudden medical emergency.
The police emphasize that the incident is being treated with utmost seriousness, akin to a homicide investigation. The Major Crime Unit is leading the probe, with the Professional Standards Command overseeing it. The cell remains locked down as a crime scene, and the post-mortem examination is expected to provide further insights into the cause of death.
This tragic incident comes at a time when Indigenous deaths in custody have reached a record high. The Australian Institute of Criminology's national report reveals 113 deaths in custody in 2024-2025, with 33 being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals. The death of 24-year-old Kumanjayi White in Alice Springs earlier this year has also sparked widespread grief and calls for action.
Despite the tragic circumstances, the police and the government are committed to ensuring the safety of individuals in custody. However, there are calls for an independent national body to address the alarming rates of Indigenous deaths in custody, a proposal that was recently rejected by the Northern Territory parliament. The community's concerns and calls for justice persist as the investigation unfolds.
