Northern Territory Police have discovered the body of a young Aboriginal girl believed to be the five-year-old who went missing five days ago. The body was found around midday on Tuesday, approximately five kilometres south of a crime scene in Alice Springs.
Police are continuing to search for 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis, a recently released prisoner who they allege abducted and killed the girl. The child, referred to by her family as Kumanjayi Little Baby, disappeared late Saturday night from a home in the Old Timers/Ilyperenye Aboriginal town camp.
NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole described the discovery as an incredibly distressing development. He confirmed that the family has been notified and that forensic results from items found at the crime scene, including a pair of child's underwear, have linked Lewis to the girl.
Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley stated that the focus is now on locating Jefferson Lewis, urging his family not to assist him. He noted that DNA profiles on the underwear matched both the girl and Lewis. The cause and time of death remain under investigation.
The search involved over 200 people, including volunteers from local businesses and Aboriginal corporations. Commissioner Dole compared the scale of the operation to the 2001 search for Peter Falconio. NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro thanked all those involved in the search.
