A RECENTLY released prisoner has been charged with murder and sexual assault after the body of a five-year-old girl was found dead in Australia.
is accused of before killing her with the ex-convict being hunted down and savagely beaten up by vengeful locals.
Jefferson Lewis has been charged over the kidnapping and killing of a five-year-old girl Credit: NT Police
Kumanjayi Little Baby went missing from her home in Alice Springs before being found dead Credit: NT Police
Northern Territory police arrested Lewis earlier this week and have now charged him with murder and two counts of sexual assault.
He has been remanded in custody ahead of an expected appearance in Darwin local court on Tuesday.
Police revealed Lewis’ was found on the girl’s underwear when her body was discovered at Old Timers Village on April 25.
Around the same time the girl first went missing, Lewis also disappeared as he went on the run for five days.
Kumanjayi’s body was soon found as angry Alice Springs locals vowed to and find her killer.
Lewis managed to hide in a remote region of but police and locals soon tracked him down.
A police car set on fire outside Alice Springs Hospital amid heated protests over the alleged killer receiving treatment Credit: EPA
A vengeful mob had a stand-off with police guarding the hospital on Friday Credit: Reuters
For almost a week they hunted Lewis, believing the ex-convict was the killer, before finding him and beating him up until he was unconscious.
His injuries were so bad he had to be rushed to hospital after his arrest as riots continued on the streets.
As he went into the Alice Springs Hospital for treatment, protestors faced off with as they tried to enter the building and not allow him to undergo any medical attention.
A police car was set on fire as projectiles were launched towards officers, smashing up vehicles and sparking cops to deploy tear and rubber bullets.
At least 100 people had reportedly turned up to take part in the riots as dozens hurled rocks at the hospital windows.
Many of the rioters were heard chanting for “payback”.
Local MP Robyn Lambley said: “It’s a site of carnage.
“There are bins on fire … A woman in labour apparently couldn’t get into the hospital because of the violent scenes.”
Lewis had to be airlifted away from the hospital and was taken to Darwin to try and quell the chaos centered on him.
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole explained why they had to move the criminal: “Safety concerns for the hospital and medical staff, safety concerns for the police and, lastly, safety concerns for Mr Lewis himself.
“Our police swear an oath to serve and protect, we don’t get to choose who we protect, so the safety of Mr Lewis was important as well.”
He was released from just six days prior to Kumanjayi going missing and had served 64 months behind bars between 2016 and 2025.
Hundreds of volunteers scoured the Australian bush and surrounding desert looking for the little girl Credit: Reuters
His crimes included aggravated assaults, breaching domestic violence orders, bail and resisting police.
In a heartbreaking statement, Kumanjayi’s mum – who has not been identified – said the girl will be loved and missed.
“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.
“Ramsiah [Kumanjayi’s brother] wants to tell you that when he sees you in heaven, he is going to give you the biggest hug ever.”
The family has also asked she is referred to as Kumanjayi Little Baby – a substitute name used by Warlpiri people for a deceased person.
It is used in place of a person’s real name to avoid the taboo of speaking a deceased individual’s name after their passing.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also extended a tribute to the little girl, who he said was “just at the start of life’s adventure”.
“This is the tragic outcome we were all desperately hoping against,” he said in a statement.
“No words can measure up to the immensity of the grief her family is going through. In their time of terrible loss, all Australians hold them in our hearts.”
“This is devastating for the whole Alice Springs community, which came together to find her. We wish them strength, and also to the police in their difficult work as they pursue answers and, ultimately, justice,” he continued.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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