Police Believe Body of Five-Year-Old Aboriginal Girl Found; Suspect at Large

Key facts

• Kumanjayi Little Baby, a five-year-old non-verbal girl, was last seen on Saturday at an Aboriginal town camp near Alice Springs.
• Police found a child's body on Thursday; forensic testing is underway to confirm identity and cause of death.
• Jefferson Lewis, 47, released from prison six days before the girl vanished, is the prime suspect.
• Children's underwear found near the camp contained DNA of both the girl and Lewis, police said.
• Lewis has a history of domestic and family violence offences and is a distant relative of the girl, according to local media.
• Around 200 people, including police and volunteers, searched the area around Old Timers Camp.
• Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro acknowledged the tireless search efforts by the community.

Discovery of a Child's Body

Northern Territory Police announced Thursday that they have located the body of a child believed to be Kumanjayi Little Baby, the five-year-old Aboriginal girl who disappeared from her home near Alice Springs. Forensic testing is now underway to confirm the child's identity and determine the cause of death. Police have been scouring the bush and desert surrounding the town camp since the girl was reported missing. The discovery marks a grim turn in a case that has gripped the remote community.

The Suspect: Jefferson Lewis

Authorities have identified Jefferson Lewis, 47, as the prime suspect in the girl's abduction and murder. Lewis was released from prison just six days before Kumanjayi Little Baby vanished, and he disappeared around the same time. "We believed he has murdered this child," investigation lead Peter Malley told reporters. "I say to Jefferson Lewis: we're coming for you." Lewis has a history of domestic and family violence-related offences and has been in and out of prison. he is a distant relative of the girl.

DNA Evidence and Timeline

Police disclosed that a pair of children's underwear was found near the camp where the girl lived. Forensic testing confirmed the underwear contained DNA from both Kumanjayi Little Baby and Jefferson Lewis. The girl was last seen on Saturday when she was put to bed just before midnight at the seeing Lewis holding hands with the child late that same night.

Community and Family Response

The girl's mother, who has not been named for cultural reasons, issued a statement expressing her grief. "It is going to be so hard to live the rest of our lives without you," she said. "We know you are in heaven with the rest of the family and Jesus. Me and your brother will meet you one day." She also thanked the dozens of police and volunteers who joined the search. Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro praised the efforts of around 200 people who worked tirelessly around the clock in the search for the missing girl.

Background on the Town Camp

The girl lived at Old Timers Camp, a site set aside by the government for Aboriginal people to stay in when visiting Alice Springs. The camp is part of a network of town camps that house many Indigenous residents in the region. The case has highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by Aboriginal communities, particularly children, in remote areas. The suspect's recent release from prison has also raised questions about monitoring of repeat offenders.

Ongoing Manhunt and Next Steps

Police continue to search for Jefferson Lewis, who remains at large. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward, warning that Lewis is considered dangerous. Once forensic testing is complete, officials will confirm the child's identity and cause of death, which will inform the charges Lewis will face. The community awaits justice for Kumanjayi Little Baby, whose name means "little baby" in a local Aboriginal language.

The bottom line

• Police believe they have found the body of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, who vanished from an Alice Springs town camp.
• DNA evidence from underwear links the girl to Jefferson Lewis, a recently released prisoner and distant relative.
• Lewis is the prime suspect in the murder and remains at large; police are actively searching for him.
• The case underscores ongoing issues of safety and justice for Aboriginal communities in remote Australia.
• The girl's mother and community leaders have expressed gratitude for the extensive search efforts.