Body found in search for missing five-year-old Northern Territory police confirm, suspected killer remains on the run
A body has been found in the search for missing five-year-old girl Kumanjayi Little Baby, more than four days after she was abducted, Northern Territory Police have confirmed.
A body has been found in the search for missing five-year-old girl Kumanjayi Little Baby, more than four days after she was abducted.
She was last seen late on Saturday night at a home in the Old Timers Aboriginal Town Camp in Alice Springs.
Detectives allege the girl was taken by a recently released violent offender, Jefferson Lewis, who remains on the run.
Officers said on Thursday the remains were found 5km south of the crime scene at Old Timers camp.
The girl’s family has been formally notified of the discovery.
“Just before midday today, members of the search party found the body of a young Aboriginal girl we believe to be five-year-old Sharon Granites,” Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole said.
“The body was found about 5km south of the crime scene at Old Timers camp.
“This is an incredibly distressing development. Her family has been formally notified, and our thoughts are firmly with them at this devastating time.
NT Police are hunting for Jefferson Lewis who is wanted for the murder of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby. Picture: NT Police
“I want to be clear, we are not in a position to provide answers as to the cause of Sharon’s death or how long she has been deceased.
“A post-mortem will be conducted, and that will be a critical step in establishing these facts.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences to the Alice Springs community following what he described as a “terrible loss”.
“This is the tragic outcome we were all desperately hoping against,” he wrote on X.
“No words can measure up to the immensity of the grief her family is going through. In their time of terrible loss, all Australians hold them in our hearts.
“This is devastating for the whole Alice Springs community, which came together to find her. We wish them strength, and also to the police in their difficult work as they pursue answers and, ultimately, justice.
“May Kumanjayi Little Baby live on in every heart she ever touched.”
Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley confirmed on Wednesday that a number of items were seized as part of the investigation, including a doona cover, a shirt belonging to Lewis and a child’s underwear.
The items were transported to Darwin and underwent forensic analysis.
Mr Malley said two DNA profiles were located on the child’s underwear.
“One belongs to Sharon and the other belongs to Jefferson Lewis,” he told the media.
“The focus is to locate Jefferson Lewis; it is our sole job in this investigation right now.
“I say to his family, we believe he has murdered this child. Do not assist him.
“To Jefferson Lewis, we’re coming for you.”
When asked if authorities believed Kumanjayi Little Baby had been sexually assaulted, Mr Malley said on Wednesday that it was “certainly on the table” and currently under investigation.
He also said police still believed Lewis had not left Alice Springs and was receiving assistance.
“We are looking all over the place, and we have shared intelligence with Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland. We still believe that he is local, but everything is on the table at this stage,” Mr Malley said.
“We still think he is here.
“Somebody could be assisting him to stay away from us, and I would caution anyone assisting him because you could also find yourself being charged with offences.”
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro addresses the media following police announcement of the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby in Alice Springs. Picture: Pema T Pakhrin/News Corp Australia
Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the state “will throw every resource it has” at bringing the suspected perpetrator to justice.
“Around 200 people have worked tirelessly around the clock in searching for this beautiful little girl who went missing five days ago,” she said on Thursday.
“For five days, everyone has had their heart in their throat waiting for the moment we got the announcement that she had been found safe and well. That news did not come.
“Everyone is feeling this loss acutely; everyone is incredibly devastated by the outcome. Our hearts are with people grieving this loss and my thanks go to every single person who volunteered.
“I ask people in Alice Springs to rally around each other at this devastating time. As a member of our community, dark days like this rock everyone.
“Everything is on the table for us as a government. We will throw every resource we have at this, and we will be led by the police investigation.”
NT Police executive director cultural reform Leanne Liddle delivered a statement on behalf of Kumanjayi Little Baby’s family.
“To Kumanjayi Little Baby, I miss and love you. I know you are in heaven with Jesus, the Father, Son and holy spirit.
“Me and your brother will meet you one day. It is going to be so hard to live the rest of our lives without you.
“Ramsiah wants to tell you that when he sees you in heaven, he is going to give you the biggest hug ever, love from Mum and Ramsiah.”
The family also thanked all of the volunteers who have assisted in the search efforts so far.
Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, whose niece is Kumanjayi Little Baby, said the loss is “deeply felt”.
“The news that our beautiful Kumanjayi Little Baby has been found dead is devastating. As part of her extended family, this loss is deeply felt,” she wrote on X.
“My thoughts are with her family and the Alice Springs community, who are grieving. This is the worst possible outcome, and no child should ever be placed in harm’s way.
“Now we need justice for this horrific crime, and those responsible must be found and held to account.
“Police have made it clear this is a serious criminal investigation, and they will pursue those responsible. Right now, the focus must be on supporting her family and allowing police to do their work.
“Anyone with information must come forward and assist police.”
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