A 47-year-old man has been charged with murder and two counts of sexual assault following the death of a five-year-old girl in Australia.
The victim, identified as Kumanjayi Little Baby, is being referred to by a pseudonym chosen by her family for cultural reasons following her death.
Her body was discovered on Thursday after several days of an extensive police search.
Authorities confirmed that Jefferson Lewis, 47, was charged with murder on Saturday night and is expected to appear before a Darwin court on Tuesday.
The case has sparked widespread outrage and unrest in Alice Springs, where violent riots broke out following news of the child’s death.
Police have confirmed that five people were arrested in connection with the disorder.
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole announced the charges against Lewis on Sunday.
“This remains a deeply distressing matter and our thoughts are firmly with Kumanjayi’s family, loved ones and the wider community that have been deeply impacted by these events,” Dole said.
He also urged the public to allow the legal process to proceed without interference.
Authorities have asked members of the community to respect the judicial process as the case moves through court.
In a statement released on Thursday, the girl’s mother said her daughter was deeply loved and would be greatly missed.
“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.”
Kumanjayi Little Baby’s grandfather also appealed for calm amid rising tensions in the community.
Robin Granites, a senior Yapa (Warlpiri) elder, condemned the unrest while acknowledging the grief and anger surrounding the tragedy.
“What has happened this week is not our way,” he said.
“Our children are precious, of course we are feeling angry and hurt at what has happened.”
“This man has been caught, thanks to community action, and we must now let justice take its course while we take the time to mourn Kumanjayi Little Baby and support our family.”
Violence erupted outside Alice Springs Hospital, where Lewis was initially receiving treatment for injuries.
Police later transferred him to Darwin, approximately 1,500 kilometres north of Alice Springs, due to security concerns.
Video footage from Thursday night showed large crowds gathering outside the hospital, with some protesters throwing objects at police.
Authorities responded with tear gas as tensions escalated.
Additional footage showed damage to police vehicles, including at least one van appearing to have been set on fire.
Police also released video appearing to show crowds entering a nearby petrol station, taking items from shelves, and quickly leaving the scene.
Commissioner Dole strongly condemned the unrest.
“What you will see in this footage is not people processing grief in relation to the death of Baby Kumanjayi,” he told reporters.
“What you will see is criminal behaviour, plain and simple.”
Police estimate the damage to property and theft from a petrol station and supermarket exceeded A$180,000.
According to Australia’s ABC, some protesters outside the hospital shouted that Lewis should face “payback” and accused police of protecting him.
In Central Australia, “payback” refers to a traditional form of punishment under Aboriginal customary law, typically overseen by elders to restore harmony between families or communities.
The child had been reported missing after disappearing from an Aboriginal town camp near Alice Springs last Saturday.
According to police, she had been put to bed shortly before midnight before vanishing.
Following the discovery of her body, her family adopted the pseudonym Kumanjayi Little Baby for use during the mourning period.
Among Australia’s Indigenous Warlpiri people, it is customary to avoid using the name of someone who has died, as it is believed this may disturb their spirit.
The case continues to attract national attention as legal proceedings begin and the community mourns the loss of the young child.
