Police have arrested the man suspected of abducting and killing five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby after a five-day manhunt in Alice Springs.
Jefferson Lewis, 47, became the focus of one of the Northern Territory Police’s biggest searches after the little girl’s body was found on Thursday near the Todd River, about five kilometres south of Old Timers Aboriginal Town Camp. Her cause of death has not yet been determined.
Police allege Kumanjayi Little Baby was taken from her family’s home at the camp on Saturday night while she was asleep. Lewis, who was also staying at the camp, was then accused of fleeing with her.
On Thursday night, police confirmed he had been found.
“A short time ago, the Northern Territory Police Force located and arrested Jefferson Lewis at a residence in Alice Springs,” the statement read.
“Further information will be provided early in the morning.”
Earlier, NT Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley warned anyone against helping Lewis.
“We say to the family of Jefferson Lewis that we believe he’s murdered this child. Do not assist him – get him to the police station, and we’ll look after him,” he said.
“And I say to Jefferson Lewis: we’re coming for you.”
Police said they believed Lewis had been helped while evading capture. The search was made harder because he had no mobile phone, bank account or vehicle, forcing officers to rely on what was described as “1930s-style” shoe-leather policing.
NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said she had spoken with the girl’s mother, who was devastated by the loss.
“Around 200 people have worked tirelessly around the clock in searching for this beautiful little girl who went missing five days ago, five days every Territorian has had their heart in their throat, waiting for the moment that we got the announcement that she’d been found safe and well,” she said.
“That news did not come, and it’s fair to say everyone is feeling this loss acutely.”
