Community gathers on Elcho Island to honor teen killed in alleged domestic murder

On Elcho Island, over two hundred people marched through Galiwin'ku and assembled at the victim’s parents’ home for a candlelight vigil honoring T. Bukulatjpi, a 17-year-old in her final school year and a leader in a girls’ empowerment group. She was discovered dead on July 6 with injuries police say were caused by blunt force, and a 34-year-old man, alleged to have been in a domestic relationship with her, has been charged with murder.

Her uncle Marcus Lacey described her as a beloved daughter-figure in Yolŋu culture, while Jasmine Yunupiŋu, chair of Yalu Aboriginal Corporation and leader of the Girl Power program, recalled her humility and role in encouraging other girls. The ceremony featured candles, white ribbons symbolising domestic violence, and the victim’s favourite colours, grey and black. Speakers, including a local women’s shelter and police, called for the community to confront violence and value life. Both the victim’s family and the alleged perpetrator’s family were present.