The family said an independent investigator must be appointed to examine the death of a soldier in police custody, while also requesting the release of videotapes.

The 24-year-old Yuendemu disabled man died Tuesday afternoon after police officers restricted him at Alice Springs supermarket.

His family wants the Northern Territory police to "immediately stop speculating on the causes of death or devalue the character of the deceased."

They also asked the troops to withdraw any statements that have been made, "in the absence of any ruling by a court, coroner or other independent investigation, the deceased imply the criminal or aggressive nature of the deceased."

Attorney George Newhouse, on behalf of the 24-year-old grandfather, wrote to acting police commissioner Martin Dole, on behalf of Elder Vorpiri.

The family said the New Testament police should “appoint independent agencies from another state or territory to conduct …investigation in a culturally secure manner.”

The letter said police should also provide "all photos of the deceased's off-road television and photographic footage caused by "before and during detention."

New Testament police on Friday rejected calls for an independent investigation.

"I would like to refuse the appeal to hand over the investigation to the external body," Door said in a statement.

"This incident is under investigation by our main crime department, which operates under strict protocols and full transparency. The investigation will also be independently reviewed by the NT coroner."

New Testament police did not respond to a call for a shot on Friday.

Hargraves and others met at Coles supermarket on Friday to honor Kumanjayi (a alternative name for the dead) and demand justice.

"I was shocked by the death of my Jaha (grandson) and it was the life of another soldier," Hargraves said.

The man's death comes days after the 2019 coronavirus investigation results were shot dead by police officer Zachary Rolfe.

The findings will be released on June 10 and may be postponed by this week's death.

Police said a confrontation occurred between 24 years old and a security guard at Alice Springs supermarket. Police said the man had been "putting items in front of the clothes."

New Testament Police Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst said Tuesday the man was “acting positively and placed on the ground by police.” "He was later determined to be unconscious," Worst said.

The man stopped breathing and was awarded CPR before being taken to Alice Springs Hospital. He was pronounced dead at around 2.20 pm.

Australian Indigenous Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said on Friday that the independent investigation “maybe necessary”.

"It may be important to do this," she told ABC Radio. McCarthy said Thursday that misinformation and rumors "are often abound in this situation" which makes families feel sad and angry.

Anthony Beven from the Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) in Northern Australia supports the release of photographic lenses to stop “rumor and allusion.”

"The video will be revealed in the coronavirus investigation, but as Mr. Hargraves and his family said, the longer people don't see the camera, the more people think about what happened or what didn't happen," he said.

“To make transparency and alleviate any concerns about what’s going on in the family, Naaja fully supports CCTV and BODY CAM lenses for public release, if not the public, at least for the family.”

Theresa Roe, the chairman of the judiciary, said she supports the police’s work, but “we need to stop locking indigenous people with record numbers”.

"This is not the answer," she said. "The crime has not decreased. Instead of building a new prison, let's find out why young people have to resort to (allegedly) shoplifting, and what measures can be taken to prevent this tragic incident."

There are nine indigenous deaths this year.

On Friday, Pat Dodson, an elder and former Labor senator in Yawuru, said he was "frustrated and sad" about Alice Springs' death.

"When you have authority, especially police and prison personnel... can take freedom away from another citizen or another person's freedom, you have to act with the best effort," he told ABC Radio.

Dodson stressed the need for transparency. He said people needed “data about the moment the person was arrested and detained”.

Newhouse wrote that police comments risked sabotage investigations, “are of public understanding and (inflicting serious and unnecessary distress to the family).

“In addition, the agency commented that the agency’s conduct is under scrutiny and is investigating its own agency, and this statement has raised reasonable concerns about institutional bias and lack of procedural equity.”

A Coles spokesman said the supermarket giant is assisting police in inquiries and closed the store on Friday out of respect for the man's family.

"We are very sad about this tragic event," the spokesperson said. "Our ideas are spread to the man's family, loved ones and the wider community."

• Indigenous Australians can call 13 on 13 92 76 for information and crisis support; or call 13 11 14 Lifeline, 1300 789 978 or 1300 22 4636