Police searching for a missing five-year-old girl in the Northern Territory have discovered a pair of children's underwear among several items on the banks of the Todd River, as the hunt for the child and a man suspected of abducting her enters its fourth day.
Disappearance of Sharon Granites
Sharon Granites was reported missing from her home on Marshall Court in Old Timers Camp, Alice Springs, at approximately 1:35 am on Sunday. She was last seen by family members when her mother put her to bed before 11 pm on Saturday.
Authorities believe the young girl exited the residence through an unlocked back door and was later led away by 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis, who was observed holding her hand around 11 pm that same night.
Items discovered along Todd River
NT Police acting Commissioner Peter Malley confirmed on Wednesday that a number of items were recovered on Sunday from the banks of the Todd River, located behind Old Timers Camp. These items include a pair of children's underwear, a yellow shirt believed to have been worn by Lewis, and a doona cover.
The discovered items have been transported to Darwin for forensic analysis, with results anticipated on Thursday. The area where the items were found has since been cordoned off as part of the ongoing investigation.
Malley stated that authorities believe Lewis is still in the local area and may be receiving assistance from others. The suspect does not possess a phone, bank account, or car, which significantly limits police ability to track him through digital footprints.
Search efforts intensify
Officers have searched locations Lewis previously frequented, based on data obtained from an ankle monitor he had been wearing. Lewis was released from prison just six days before Sharon's disappearance, after serving an 18-month sentence for serious violence-related offences.
Police have also spoken with Lewis's wife and children in Yuendumu, who are cooperating with inquiries.
Malley expressed that police believe Sharon is still alive and that finding her safe and well remains their "number one mission." He added, "We speak to survival experts and we look at if she was wandering around on her own in the bush, how long she could survive for. We're still within that time frame."
He described Sharon as a "very affectionate little girl" who is "loved by her family."
The search operation has covered more than five square kilometres on foot and approximately 80 square kilometres by air, with over 100 volunteers assisting. Conditions have made the search challenging, with long grass, soft sand, rocks, and large trees impeding progress.
Volunteers, police, and emergency services continue to scour thick scrub and terrain surrounding the Todd River.
Cross-border assistance and public appeal
NT Police have sought assistance from Western Australia Police and are also considering potential links to Queensland and South Australia.
Malley urged Lewis to hand himself in, stating, "Hand yourself in, go to the nearest police station or give us a call and we'll come and grab you." He also urged the public not to approach Lewis if seen but to contact police immediately with any information.
"We absolutely firmly believe that there's members of the community that know where he is, where he went, and how to contact him, and we implore those people to come forward and give us that information," Malley said.
Police have released images of Sharon and Lewis as they appeal for public assistance. Sharon was last seen wearing a dark blue, short-sleeve T-shirt with a white ring stripe around the neck and the end of the sleeves, and a pair of black boxer-style underwear.
Anyone with information about Sharon's whereabouts or Lewis is urged to contact police immediately.
