Police have made a devastating discovery in the search for a five-year-old girl missing in the Australian outback, confirming they have found a body believed to be that of the child. The girl, whom the family has asked to be referred to as Kumanjayi Little Baby following her death, vanished late on Saturday night (April 25) from a home on the outskirts of Alice Springs.
Discovery and Investigation
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole provided the tragic update during a press conference on Thursday afternoon, describing the find as "an incredibly distressing development." He stated, "Just before midday today, police members of the search party located the body of a young Aboriginal girl we believe to be [the five-year-old]. Her family have been formally notified, and our thoughts are firmly with them at this devastating time."
The suspect, 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis, had been released from jail only six days prior to the girl's disappearance and is believed to have abducted her. Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley emphasized that the police's primary focus is now on locating Lewis. "It is our sole job in this investigation right now," he said. He directly addressed Lewis's family, stating, "I say to the family of Jefferson Lewis that we believe he's murdered this child. Do not assist him; get him to the police station and we'll look after him." He also issued a direct warning to Lewis: "I say to Jefferson Lewis, we're coming for you."
Search Efforts
The update comes after five days of intensive searching by police and volunteers in the Northern Territory, near the home at Old Timers Camp where the five-year-old was last seen. Assistant Commissioner Malley noted earlier in the week that a "bit of a party" was happening at the camp at the time of the disappearance. The girl was in bed while her mother was doing laundry nearby, and it appears that was when the alleged abductor struck. An eyewitness reported seeing Lewis "holding hands" with the little girl at around 11 p.m. on Saturday, which police believe was the last time she was seen alive.
An NT Police spokesman confirmed that approximately 60 people participated in the ground search on Tuesday, utilizing helicopters, drones, dog units, horses, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles. So far, police have searched about 46 square kilometres (over 17 square miles) by helicopter, while officers and volunteers have covered an additional 20 square kilometres (7.7 square miles) on foot. Indigenous trackers have also been deployed to assist, according to NT Police executive director of cultural reform Leanne Liddle.
Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples often avoid naming the deceased as a mark of respect and cultural protocol, as it is believed to disturb the person's spirit and prevent them from moving on to the afterlife.
