Police in Australia's Northern Territory have charged a 47-year-old man with the murder of a five-year-old Indigenous girl, whose death sparked protests in the outback town of Alice Springs. Jefferson Lewis was also charged with two other offences that cannot be publicly disclosed for legal reasons, police said in a statement on Sunday.
The victim, known as Kumanjayi Little Baby in line with Indigenous custom, disappeared from an Indigenous community camp, prompting a days-long search on foot, horseback and by helicopter. Her body was found on Thursday.
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole described the incident as a horrific event and expressed condolences to the family. Lewis was charged on Saturday evening and is scheduled to appear in court in Darwin on Tuesday. He has past convictions for physical assault and had recently been released from prison.
The girl's killing led to protests by about 400 Indigenous people near Alice Springs on Thursday evening. An angry crowd clashed with police as Lewis was treated in hospital after being found and beaten unconscious by locals. Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters, and several people were arrested over what authorities described as a riot.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the outcome was tragic and offered condolences to the family. Robin Granites, a family spokesman and elder of the Warlpiri Indigenous group, called for respect and space for grieving. The case highlights ongoing struggles for Indigenous Australians, who face discrimination and inadequate housing and services.
