Jefferson Lewis charged with murder after death of five year-old girl
Updated . First published
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains the image of a person who is deceased.
Jefferson Lewis has been charged with one count of murder after the death of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby.
The girl was last seen by her family just before 11pm on Saturday April 25, when she was put to bed at a house at Old Timers Camp just south of Alice Springs, and was last seen allegedly holding hands with Lewis walking away from camp.
READ MORE: Floral tributes grow as Alice Springs mourns five-year-old girl
Jefferson Lewis has been charged with one count of murder after the death of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby. Supplied
Her body was discovered near the camp on Thursday after a five-day search.
Hours later, a man identified by police as 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis was arrested and taken to hospital after he was allegedly beaten by vigilantes before his arrest.
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole announced the charge this morning.
READ MORE: Two charged after Melbourne restaurant torched in arson attack
Jefferson Lewis has been charged with one count of murder after the death of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby. NT Police
"This remains a deeply distressing matter, and our thoughts are firmly with Kumanjayi's family and loved ones," he said.
"This outcome follows an extensive and complex investigation by the Northern Territory police, and I just want to thank all of the members involved for their professionalism and dedication in reaching this outcome."
He called for the legal process and the privacy of Kumanjayi Little Baby's family to be respected.
READ MORE: Man arrested after three people die in attack in Sydney home
A floral tribute to Kumanjayi Little Baby has been created in Alice Springs after initial unrest earlier this week. 9News
The family had previously released a statement calling for calm in the local community, after the discovery of Kumanjayi Little Baby's body sparked unrest in Alice Springs.
A large crowd assembled outside of Alice Springs Hospital on Thursday, with a car allegedly being set on fire, as well as reports of paramedics and police being allegedly assaulted.
Northern Territory Police this morning announced five people had been arrested after alleged riotous behaviour on Thursday, where a service station and supermarket were ransacked.
A statement claimed there was significant damages to both, and that around $105,000 worth of goods were stolen, and $80,000 in damages was caused.
READ MORE: Publicans fear for people's lives amid continued Melbourne bar firebombings
NT Police Commissioner said the alleged rioting at an Alice Springs supermarket and service station was "abhorrent." Nine
"Following a review into CCTV and media outlet footage, five people aged 18, 26, 34, 46 and 49 have all been arrested and remain in custody," the statement said.
Dole said the footage was "abhorrent".
"What you will see in this footage is not people processing grief in relation to the death of Baby Kumanjayi, what you will see is not people trying to practice traditional lore," he said.
"What you will see is criminal behaviour, plain and simple."
Lewis has been remanded in custody, and is expected to appear in Darwin Local Court on Tuesday.
For 24/7 crisis support run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, contact 13YARN (13 92 76).
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
- Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
- Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
- Sign up to our breaking newsletter here
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
