Trigger warning: This article discusses death and sensitive topics. If you have been affected by this article, know that help is always available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this article contains images and names of the deceased.
A man has been arrested after a body was found in the search for a missing five-year-old girl in Alice Springs.
The girl, known as Kumanjayi Little Baby, went missing late on Saturday, April 25, from a home in the Ilyperenye Aboriginal town camp.
Jefferson Lewis, 47, who is suspected of murdering the five-year-old, was arrested by police shortly before 10pm on Thursday, April 30.
NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole confirmed that Lewis was taken to Alice Springs hospital, where a riot erupted outside as an “angry” crowd demanded that he be handed over to the community.
Lewis was allegedly attacked before his arrest. He has now been moved to Darwin in a bid to ease tensions in the community.
His arrest came just hours after a body was found just before midday on Thursday, April 30, around 5km from where the girl went missing, bringing an end to the five-day search.
“This is an incredibly distressing development,” NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole told the media at a press conference.
“[Her] family has been formally notified, and our thoughts are firmly with them at this devastating time.”
Police said a post-mortem examination will be carried out on Friday, May 1.
At this time, NT Police said they were not in a position to “provide answers around the cause of death or how long she may have been deceased”.
Police alleged that Mr Lewis was seen walking and “holding hands” with the little girl at around 11 pm on April 25. She was reported missing two hours later.
“We believe Jefferson Lewis has led the little girl away,” Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley, who is leading the investigation, previously confirmed.
The five-year-old’s disappearance sparked one of the largest searches in the Northern Territory, with more than 200 volunteers deployed on the ground as well as police and helicopters.
Aboriginal trackers also assisted in the five-day search, which took place in a 20km radius of the Old Timers Camp.
A criminal investigation is ongoing.
Check back here for further updates.
