Body found in search for missing 5yo as police allege murder

A body believed to be that of a missing five-year-old has been found in Central Australia, with police alleging the young girl was murdered.

The child’s family has requested she be referred to as “Kumanjayi Little Baby”.

Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole confirmed the devastating development on Thursday afternoon, describing it as the “worst possible outcome”.

“Just before midday today, police members of the search party located the body of a young Aboriginal girl,” he said.

“The body was found about five kilometres south of the crime scene at Old Timers camp. This is an incredibly distressing development.

“Sharon’s family have been formally notified, and our thoughts are firmly with them at this devastating time.”

Police said they were not yet able to confirm the cause of death or how long the child had been deceased.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted as early as Friday.

“That will be a critical step in establishing those facts,” Commissioner Dole said.

“The criminal investigation is ongoing and a coronial process will now also begin. As a result, there will be now limitations on what we can say publicly.

“Finally, this is devastating news, not only for (Kumanjayi Little Baby’s) family, but also the first responders, the Alice Springs community and all of those around Australia who have been worrying for (Kumanjayi Little Baby).

“The support shown during this time has been overwhelming, and this is the worst possible outcome.”

The discovery comes after a desperate search across Central Australia since Kumanjayi Little Baby was reported missing from Old Timers Camp on the outskirts of Alice Springs in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A 47-year-old man, Jefferson Lewis, had been the focus of the investigation, with police alleging he had taken the child.

Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley, who is leading the investigation, said forensic testing had linked key evidence recovered from a nearby crime scene to their suspect.

“Of significance is the pair of child’s underwear,” he said.

“We located two DNA profiles on the underwear. One is expected, belongs to the little girl, (Kumanjayi Little Baby), and the other belongs to Jefferson Lewis.

“So the focus right now is to locate Jefferson Lewis.”

Mr Malley also had a message for anyone helping Lewis evade police.

“So I say to the family of Jefferson Lewis that we believe he’s murdered this child,” he said.

“Do not assist him. Get him to the police station and we’ll look after him.

“And I say to Jefferson Lewis, we’re coming for you.”

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said “the hunt for justice is on”.

“This news was everyone’s worst fear and it is heartbreaking,” she said.

“I want to recognise and thank all emergency services personnel and community members who have assisted throughout the search.

“A criminal investigation is ongoing, and in the interests of justice, I urge anyone with information to come forward and assist police.”

The tragic discovery comes after a desperate search across Central Australia since Kumanjayi Little Baby was reported missing from Old Timers Camp on the outskirts of Alice Springs in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Mr Lewis has been the focus of the investigation, with police alleging he had taken the child.

The exact timeline of events remains under investigation but a witness claimed to have seen Mr Lewis holding hands with Kumanjayi Little Baby at around 11pm on Saturday.

Shortly after this, a family member claims to have seen Kumanjayi Little Baby inside a house in the camp.

At about 11.30pm, her family noticed she was missing. Police were contacted at 1.35am.

Police immediately responded and conducted initial enquiries.

A crime scene was quickly established in the dry Todd River bed, behind the town camp, and where police seized items including a yellow adult t-shirt, a doona and a pair of children’s underwear.

Multiple police units have been deployed as part of the extensive search for Kumanjayi Little Baby including members from the Search and Rescue Section, Cultural Reform, Mounted Unit, Dog Operations Unit, General Duties, Community Safety Engagement Team, Territory Response Group and Territory Safety Division.

Additional support has been provided by NT Fire and Emergency Services, the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Federal Police, Tangentyere Council, and the Central Land Council.

Resources deployed have included helicopters, drones, ATVs, motorbikes, horses, and foot patrols, with search taskings also taking place overnight utilising drones with thermal imaging capability.

Multiple local organisations, community groups and businesses have also been providing support to the search effort.

Police have urged anyone with information about Lewis’s whereabouts to come forward immediately.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.