Northern Territory Police Locate Child’s Body, Suspect Jefferson Lewis in Outback Murder
Northern Territory Police have announced the discovery of a child’s body, strongly suspected to be five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, who was reported missing from an Aboriginal town camp near Alice Springs.
The child, identified culturally as Kumanjayi Little Baby, was last seen on Saturday night when put to bed. Forensic examination is underway to formally confirm the identity and cause of death.
Detectives are actively searching for Jefferson Lewis, 47, who was released from prison six days before the child’s disappearance and vanished concurrently. Investigation lead Peter Malley stated, “We believed he has murdered this child.”
A pair of children’s underwear found near the camp has been forensically confirmed to contain DNA from both Kumanjayi Little Baby, who is non-verbal, and Lewis. Lewis, reportedly a distant relative, has a history of domestic and family violence offences and was seen holding hands with the child late on the night she disappeared.
Dozens of personnel, including dog squads, drone units, and helicopters, have been involved in the search around Old Timers Camp, a government-designated area for Aboriginal people in Alice Springs. Police believe Lewis, who lacks a phone, bank account, or car, may be receiving assistance and have appealed for public information.
NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole conveyed thoughts to the grieving family, acknowledging the “incredibly distressing development” as “the worst possible outcome.” Malley added, “And I say to Jefferson Lewis, we’re coming for you.”