Following the death of a five-year-old girl near Alice Springs, Australia, riots broke out as police arrested a suspect in the case.
Missing Child and Suspect Identified
The child, identified only as Kumanjayi Little Baby for cultural reasons, was last seen on Saturday night before being put to bed at an Aboriginal camp near Alice Springs, Australia.
The five-year-old went missing overnight. The suspect, Jefferson Lewis, had been released from prison six days prior to her disappearance.
Extensive Search and Discovery of Body
Police and volunteers searched the surrounding wilderness for several days, hoping to find her alive. Her body was discovered on Thursday, April 30th. Police Commissioner Martin Dole described the moment as devastating for all involved in the search.
Suspect Apprehended and Injured
Jefferson Lewis was recognized by members of the local community shortly after the girl’s disappearance. Before police arrived, Lewis was attacked and found unconscious upon their arrival. Commissioner Dole stated his injuries were not life-threatening and he was transported to Darwin, where he remains in custody. Charges are expected to be filed in the coming days.
Riots Erupt Outside Hospital
Riots broke out outside the hospital, with the crowd throwing objects at police and damaging several police vehicles, including one that was set on fire. Several people, including members of the brotherhood, were injured. At least one person was arrested for attempting to set a police vehicle ablaze.
Calls for Traditional Retribution
Some of those gathered demanded “payback” for Lewis – a traditional punishment under Aboriginal customary law, typically administered by elders to restore harmony between families.
Distinction Between Payback and Revenge
Michael Liddle, a local Alyawarre Aboriginal man, protested the use of the term “payback” in this context. He explained that traditional payback is a “carefully considered and conducted” process, not a spontaneous act of revenge, and using the word in this situation only fuels violence.
Family Appeals for Calm
The girl’s family issued a statement. Her grandfather, Yapa Robin Granites, urged the community to remain calm. He stated that this event does not represent their way of life, and while they feel anger and pain, the community captured the man and now justice must take its course, allowing them to focus on mourning.
Mother’s Heartbreaking Statement
The mother of Kumanjayi Little Baby, whose identity has not been released, thanked everyone involved in the search. She expressed her grief, saying, “It will be so hard to live without you. We know you are in heaven. My brother and I will meet you one day.”
