The charge laid against a first-class constable on Thursday over the shooting of Joyce Clarke in Geraldton marks the first time in almost a century a police officer has been accused of murder in Western Australia.

Ninety-three years ago the bodies of 20 Aboriginal people were found slaughtered and burned in different parts of WA's Kimberley region.

The community was rocked when it became clear the ringleaders of the massacre were two police officers seeking payback over the death of a white pastoralist, who were then arrested and charged with murder.

Joyce Clarke was shot dead by police in Geraldton. This photo has been published with the permission of Ms Clarke's family. Credit:Facebook

After a police inquiry and a Royal Commission into what became known as the 1926 Forrest River massacre, the two men walked free.