Police in Australia's Northern Territory have announced that a five-year-old girl missing in the outback is believed to have been abducted, as they intensify their search for a recently released prisoner.
Disappearance of Sharon Granites
The girl, identified as Sharon Granites, was last seen on Saturday evening when she was put to bed at her family home just before midnight. Around 1:35 a.m. on Sunday, police received reports that she could not be located at her residence on Marshall Court, Old Timers Camp, Alice Springs. An initial search using extensive resources failed to find her, and officers resumed search operations on foot Monday morning after an unsuccessful overnight effort.
Suspect Identified
NT Police Acting Commander Mark Grieve stated that a man who was staying at the camp and vanished around the same time may be involved. Investigators are seeking 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis, who was recently released from prison. Police believe he can assist with inquiries and have asked the public for help locating him. Lewis is known to authorities for domestic abuse and family violence offences. Commander Grieve noted that he is one of the few people at the camp who has not made himself known to police.
Commander Grieve described the situation as a parent's worst nightmare, expressing hope to find Sharon healthy and return her to her family. Lewis has a long history of violence and prison time, including a sentence of more than five years for serious violence-related offences over the past decade.
Description and Appeal
Sharon was last seen wearing a dark blue short sleeve T-shirt with a white ring stripe around the neck and sleeves, and black boxer-style underwear. Police released photos of the child seated with a backpack, as well as body-worn camera footage of Lewis from an unrelated incident on Saturday evening, showing him in a yellow shirt and army camouflage pants. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact police.
