Uncle 'Worried and Scared' After Fatally Stabbing Sistergirl, Court Hears

A Northern Territory Supreme Court jury is hearing the deeply tragic case of Andrew Mungatopi, who stands accused of fatally stabbing his 37-year-old sistergirl in Darwin's northern suburbs in October 2024. Mungatopi has admitted to the act, pleading guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter, but maintains his innocence regarding the murder charge, asserting he did not intend to cause death or serious harm.

“

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the image of an Indigenous person who has died, used with the permission of her family.

The prosecution, however, is not accepting the manslaughter plea and is pursuing a murder conviction. The trial has presented conflicting accounts from witnesses. Some testified that the deceased had been arguing with Mungatopi's partner, allegedly provoking him to slap her. This narrative suggests a heated confrontation that escalated tragically.

“

Mr Mungatopi, 34, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the lesser, alternative charge of manslaughter.

Conversely, Mungatopi's partner, Tanita Donald, provided a different account. She testified that she and the sistergirl were getting along well that night, describing the deceased as a "very caring person." Donald stated that Mungatopi became intoxicated and angry when the sistergirl used a nickname for her, leading to a rapid escalation of events. She recounted hearing her partner cry out "call the police" shortly after.

“

She described the sistergirl as a "very caring person" who regularly helped her with the child she and Mr Mungatopi share.

Adding to the complex testimonies, Aboriginal health practitioner Patricia Nundhirribala described finding Mungatopi screaming for help and holding the deceased, appearing "very worried." She recounted his plea to call an ambulance. The term 'sistergirl,' used for gender-diverse individuals with a female spirit in some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, adds a layer of cultural context to this sensitive case. The jury's task is to reconcile these differing testimonies and determine Mungatopi's intent on that fateful night.

“

He said, 'Why you talking to my wife?'