Sharon Granites Found Dead: Violent Ex-Con Charged with Murder of Five-Year-Old

Key facts

• Sharon Granites, 5, was abducted on Anzac Day from the Old Timers camp near Alice Springs.
• Her body was found on Thursday, April 30, 5km south of the camp.
• Police found her underwear with DNA traces matching both Sharon and Jefferson Lewis.
• Jefferson Lewis, 47, had been released from prison six days before the abduction.
• Lewis had served an 18-month sentence for aggravated assault and domestic violence offences.
• Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole accused Lewis of murdering the child.
• Sharon's mother Jacinta White released a statement calling her daughter Kumanjayi Little Baby.

A Five-Day Search Ends in Tragedy

The body of five-year-old Sharon Granites, known to her family as Kumanjayi Little Baby, was found just before midday on Thursday in bushland 5km south of the Old Timers camp on the outskirts of Alice Springs. The discovery came five days after she was led into the dark holding the hand of 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis, a violent ex-convict who had been released from prison only six days earlier. Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole described the outcome as the worst possible and accused Lewis of murdering the girl, who is his distant relative. The police have now shifted their focus from search to apprehending Lewis, who remains at large.

DNA Evidence Links Lewis to the Crime Scene

Forensic testing revealed that underwear found near the camp contained traces of two DNA profiles matching Sharon and Lewis. The same crime scene also yielded a yellow top that Lewis had been wearing on the night of her disappearance. These findings have solidified the police case against Lewis, who is now the prime suspect in the murder investigation. Commissioner Dole confirmed that the body was located about 5km south of the crime scene at Old Timers Camp, but declined to reveal how long the child had been dead. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the timeline of events.

A Mother's Heartbreak and a Plea for Justice

Sharon's mother, Jacinta White, broke her silence in a devastating statement released on Thursday. She asked that her daughter be called Kumanjayi Little Baby, a name that reflects her cultural heritage. 'I miss and love you,' White said. 'I know you are in heaven with the rest of the family, with Jesus and the Father Son and Holy Spirit, me and your brother will meet you one day.' White added, 'We are giving our lives to Jesus. It is going to be so hard to live the rest of our lives without you.' Sharon's brother Ramsiah also sent a message, saying he would give her 'the biggest hug ever' when they meet in heaven. The family's grief has been compounded by the brutal nature of the crime.

Lewis's Criminal History and Movements Before the Abduction

Jefferson Lewis has a long criminal record, with multiple imprisonments over the past decade for assault and domestic violence. His most recent sentence was an 18-month term for aggravated assault, violating a domestic violence order, and breaching bail, to which he pleaded guilty in October 2024. In total, he has been sentenced to more than five years in prison for separate offences. After his release, Lewis was not welcome back to the Yuendumu community and was directed to Lajamanu, where he had family. Instead, he went to the town camp to see extended family — the same camp where Sharon lived. He was residing at the same address as the little girl at the time of her abduction.

Community and Police Response

The Northern Territory Police have been conducting an extensive search operation since Sharon's disappearance on Anzac Day. The discovery of her body has sent shockwaves through the Alice Springs community and beyond. Commissioner Dole expressed condolences to the family, stating, 'Sharon’s family have been notified, and our thoughts are firmly with them at this devastating time.' The police have not yet provided details on the cause of death or the exact timeline of events. The investigation continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.

What Comes Next: The Manhunt for Jefferson Lewis

The immediate priority for law enforcement is the apprehension of Jefferson Lewis, who is believed to have fled the area. Police have not disclosed any leads on his whereabouts, but the search is intensifying. Lewis is considered dangerous, and the public has been warned not to approach him. The case has also reignited debates about the handling of repeat violent offenders and the adequacy of post-release monitoring. As the community mourns, the focus remains on bringing Lewis to justice and preventing such tragedies in the future.

The bottom line

• Sharon Granites, 5, was abducted from her home in Alice Springs and found dead five days later.
• DNA evidence from her underwear matches both Sharon and suspect Jefferson Lewis.
• Lewis, a violent ex-con, had been released from prison just six days before the abduction.
• Police Commissioner Martin Dole has accused Lewis of murdering the child.
• The family has asked that Sharon be referred to as Kumanjayi Little Baby in her memory.
• Lewis remains at large, and a manhunt is underway.