Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to investigate the death of a woman within the Tennant Creek Watch House.
The woman was located unresponsive in her cell at 1:03pm on 27 December 2025. She had been arrested and charged with aggravated assault after an incident on 25 December 2025.
A post-mortem was conducted on Friday 2 January 2026, listing her cause of death as undetermined.
The pathologist will now conduct toxicology testing before a formal cause of death can be published.
Investigations still indicate that the deceased suffered a medical incident.
Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley said “Any death in custody is thoroughly investigated by Crime Command detectives with oversight from the Professional Standards Command.
“In this instance, the investigation has also engaged the Cultural Reform Command, who are on the ground in the community. Police have been in constant communication with the deceased’s family in Tennant Creek, keeping them up to date with how the investigation is progressing.
“While further testing is required to determine a formal cause of death, the current information suggests that the woman suffered a medical event alone in her cell.
“The entire circumstances surrounding this incident, from the policy and procedures that govern watch house care to the medical history of the deceased, will form part of a comprehensive brief of evidence that will be supplied to the Coroner.
“I have full confidence in the detectives working this investigation, and I have full confidence in the independent processes that already govern how police investigate death in custody matters.
“I extend my condolences to her family and friends who are going through an incredibly difficult time. I would also like to thank the Tennant Creek community for their ongoing assistance.”