'No justice for First Nations people': Winmar family speaks out as coronial inquest ends
Disclaimer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this article contains references to deceased persons.
April 10 marked the final day of the coronial inquest into Noongar man Jeffrey Winmar’s death following police arrest. The inquest spanned eight days.
Winmar, 28, died in hospital on November 11, 2023, two days after being apprehended during a planned arrest, in relation to alleged offences including aggravated burglary and motor vehicle theft.
Evidence from police members outlined a pursuit as Winmar climbed a neighbouring roof before being apprehended with assistance of a canine unit. Body-worn footage showed Winmar descending a tree at the time of arrest and briefly losing consciousness.
The court heard evidence that Winmar’s medical condition deteriorated while in police custody, as he went in and out of consciousness.
Ambulance assistance was cancelled twice by police members, resulting in an eight-minute delay in paramedics arriving. During this time, Winmar complained of chest pains and shortness of breath.
When questioned in court about the cancellation of the second ambulance, a police member said it was cancelled as he did not believe Winmar had lost consciousness and was “playing possum” to evade arrest.
Moments later, it was reported Winmar stopped breathing.
A police member recalled, “I got the cuffs off straight away and started CPR”, becoming choked up.
CPR continued until paramedics arrived and he was transported to Box Hill Hospital in a critical condition.
Medical experts debated whether earlier ambulance arrival could have changed the outcome, with the majority agreeing it would not have.
Forensic experts told the court they could not identify an exact cause of death, citing a combination of factors including multi-organ failure related to high levels of methylamphetamine and circulatory arrest, alongside agitation and stress.
As the inquest came to an end, coronial impact statements were read out.
A statement by Winmar’s mother, Ursula Winmar, was read by her representing counsel Angie Wong.
She described a loss that could never be undone.
“A parent should never have to bury their child,” she said. “I feel like there is no accountability or justice for First Nations people of Australia.”
Other family members described profound sadness at the loss, while having many unanswered questions surrounding his death.
“I still don’t understand, but maybe one day I will,” Winmar’s father said.
His younger sister paused while she told the court about the moment she missed his Facetime call the morning of his arrest.
“I thought I’d call him back when I got home,” she said.
Her voice cracked as she recalled “racing down Box Hill freeway” to get to the hospital later that day, alongside other family members.
“I’ve never fainted in my life. But when I saw Jeff, my throat closed up, I felt dizzy, everything went black, my legs went weak, I passed out,” she told the court.
She told the court Winmar feared police after other family members had died in custody. Prior to his arrest he had been speaking to lawyers about turning himself in for rehabilitation.
A video recording made by Winmar prior to his passing was played for the court.
Family members sobbed as he spoke of plans to improve himself and reunite with his wife and son.
“I just need more support along the way,” he acknowledged.
Following this, the court adjourned.
Australian Institute of Criminology statistics show 11 Indigenous deaths in custody have been reported in 2026 so far. Ten of these deaths were male.
Half fell into the 25 to 39-year age bracket, with four occurring while in police custody and the other six in prison custody.
Findings of the inquest can be expected at a later date.
