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Warning: This article contains references to a deceased person, which may cause distress to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers.
Charges laid in death of Kumanjayi Little Baby
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 Alice Springs, Northern Territory police confirmed on Sunday.
The child, identified by her family as Kumanjayi Little Baby-a cultural pseudonym used during mourning-was found dead on Thursday after an extensive search. Jefferson Lewis appeared in Darwin Magistrates Court on Tuesday, where he faced the charges.
Community reels after child's death
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole described the case as "deeply distressing" and extended condolences to the girl's family and community. "This remains a heartbreaking situation, and our focus is on supporting those affected," he said.
In a statement, Kumanjayi's unnamed mother expressed her grief: "It is going to be so hard to live the rest of our lives without you. We know you are in heaven with the rest of the family and Jesus. Me and your brother will meet you one day."
Robin Granites, a senior Warlpiri elder and the child's grandfather, urged calm in a statement released on Friday. "What has happened this week is not our way. Our children are precious, and while we feel anger and hurt, we must let justice take its course as we mourn Kumanjayi Little Baby," he said.
Riots erupt in Alice Springs
Violent protests erupted outside Alice Springs Hospital on Thursday night, where Lewis was receiving treatment for injuries sustained in an earlier attack. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds after demonstrators threw projectiles and damaged police vehicles. At least one van was set alight.
Commissioner Dole condemned the unrest as "disgusting and abhorrent," emphasizing that the footage released by police showed "criminal behavior, not grief." He added, "What you will see is people exploiting a tragedy for violence."
Additional footage showed looting at a nearby petrol station and supermarket, with damages estimated at over A$180,000 ($130,000; £95,000).
Calls for 'payback' spark tensions
Some protesters outside the hospital shouted demands for "payback," a term referring to traditional Aboriginal customary law aimed at restoring harmony between families. However, authorities stressed that such actions would not be tolerated under Australian law.
Kumanjayi Little Baby disappeared last Saturday after being put to bed at an Aboriginal town camp near Alice Springs. Her family later gave her a pseudonym during mourning, a cultural practice among the Warlpiri people to avoid disturbing the spirit of the deceased.
Police move suspect amid safety concerns
Due to the unrest, Lewis was transferred approximately 1,500 km (930 miles) to Darwin for his court appearance. Police have not released further details about the investigation but reiterated their commitment to ensuring a fair judicial process.
