The family of Dunghutti teenager Jai Kalani Wright聽have welcomed the news that a New South Wales Police officer, whose car collided with the 16-year-old riding a trail bike, has been charged.
Jai died on February 20, 2022, a day after the collision.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) charged the police officer with 鈥渄angerous driving occasioning death鈥 and 鈥渘egligent driving occasioning death鈥.
Coroner Teresa O鈥橲ullivan paused a coronial inquest into Jai鈥檚 death in January, referring the matter to the ODPP.
Jai parents Lachlan Wright and Kylie Aloua said on February 20: 鈥淲e are emotional and relieved that charges have been laid. It鈥檚 been two years without our vibrant, beautiful son beside us. He was funny, witty, and loved by so many people.聽
Karly Warner, CEO of the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) welcomed the 鈥渋mportant step towards accountability鈥, adding, 鈥淲e are proud to stand with Jai鈥檚 family鈥.
鈥淛ai is one of at least 558 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have died in custody and police operations since the Royal Commission that was meant to stop this national shame.鈥