The Alice Springs community is mourning the death of a five-year-old Aboriginal girl, whose body was found on Thursday.
Northern Territory Police confirmed on Thursday night that Jefferson Lewis had been arrested following a manhunt that lasted five days. Lewis, 47, is alleged to have murdered the five-year-old girl, known as Kumanjayi Little Baby.
On Friday, NT police commissioner Martin Dole spoke to ABC TV, saying Lewis was in custody and had been transported to Darwin by police air wing.
“This is devastating news not only for the immediate and extended family, but also the first responders, the Alice Springs community, and all those around Australia who have been worrying for this little girl,” Dole said in a statement.
“The support shown during this time has been overwhelming and this is the worst outcome.
“It is very important the Alice Springs community continues to support one another, and it is equally important that the police continue to do their job.”
A crowd of protestors gathered outside Alice Springs Hospital on Thursday night following the arrest of Lewis. It is understood Lewis was beaten by a group of people in the area after he was recognised as the man police were looking for.
Protestors outside of the hospital were there to try and get to Lewis, demanding “payback”, according to reports. A police vehicle was set alight and tear gas was used by police.
“Safety concerns for the hospital and medical staff, safety concerns for the police and lastly safety concerns for Mr Lewis himself,” Dole said.
“Our police swear an oath to serve and protect, we don’t get to choose who we protect, so the safety of Mr Lewis was important as well.”
Kumanjayi Little Baby went missing from Alice Springs’ Old timers town camp on Saturday. Her disappearance led to a large-scale, five-day search.
Police delivered a devastating update on Thursday afternoon, saying her body had been found five kilometres south of a crime scene in Old Timers town camp. It is alleged she was abducted and murdered by Lewis.
Many community members have shared their condolences with her family, leaving flowers and notes at the Old Timers town camp.
Kumanjayi’s mother shared a message, that was delivered by NT Police executive director of cultural reform Leanne Liddle:
“To Kumanjayi Little Baby,
Me and Ramsiah miss and love you.
I know you are in heaven with the rest of the family with Jesus and the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Me and your brother will meet you one day.
We are giving our lives to Jesus.
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.“
A formal autopsy will be scheduled to confirm the cause of death and a coronial investigation will begin.