The Northern Territory's police chief has condemned rioters after a night of violence in Alice Springs following the murder of a five-year-old girl, as her family appeals for calm.
Violence Erupts After Suspect Found
Alice Springs descended into chaos after vigilantes located suspected killer Jefferson Lewis at Charles Creek town camp, where he was beaten unconscious before police arrived. Lewis is believed to have abducted and murdered the five-year-old girl, known culturally as Kumanjayi Little Baby, who disappeared on Anzac Day.
Commissioner Martin Dole reported that paramedics attempting to revive Lewis after his discovery were also attacked by the mob and required police rescue. He noted that police resources were already stretched during the manhunt for Lewis and the girl before her body was found 5km south of Alice Springs on Thursday.
"Now to divert those resources to having to investigate senseless violence against emergency services is just something that isn't required," he said.
Hospital Under Siege
Lewis, 47, was taken to Alice Springs Hospital for treatment of a head wound, where the furious mob then descended. Police deployed tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against the crowd, which also set a police vehicle ablaze.
Commissioner Dole confirmed several police officers were injured, along with a Northern Territory Fire and Rescue officer who sustained a significant facial injury requiring treatment. Several ambulance officers were also attacked and suffered soft tissue injuries.
One woman was arrested for attempted arson, with more arrests expected. Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro announced a pause on alcohol sales in the city to help quell the violence.
Family Pleads for Calm
Kumanjayi Little Baby's family released a statement through elder Robin Granites, the child's grandfather, pleading with the Indigenous community to allow justice to take its course.
"Everyone is feeling upset and emotions are high. I understand that what happened this week is not our way. Our children are precious. Of course we are feeling angry and hurt. This man has been caught thanks to community action, and we must allow justice to take its course," he said.
He urged people to come to Alice Springs only for sorry business and return home, adding, "Please. Now is not the time to be heroes on social media or to make trouble."
Suspect in Custody
Lewis was flown from Alice Springs to Darwin early Friday morning to calm unrest. He has been released from hospital into police custody and is expected to face charges imminently.
Commissioner Dole slammed the mob behaviour, describing the violence as unacceptable. "Let me say that the behaviour that we saw last night cannot be explained away, excused or accepted. Absolutely no excuse for violence against emergency services that are just doing their job," he said.
Chief Minister Finocchiaro also condemned the rioters, stating, "Attacks on frontline workers are never acceptable, and whilst we appreciate and understand that people are very angry and grieving, there is never an excuse or an acceptability of violence as a response."
Lewis is suspected of taking Kumanjayi Little Baby from a house at Old Timers Camp, 6km south of Alice Springs, five days ago. Authorities had been searching for him until Thursday night.
A local told Daily Mail that a group of vigilantes beat Lewis after spotting him at Charles Creek Camp. "A group of young boys saw him walking down the street and they noticed him as the man on the news. They ran up to him and started beating him viciously. He was trying to get under a shipping container," the local said.
Police intervened and arrested Lewis, rushing him to Alice Springs Hospital before 10pm local time. More than 400 people then gathered outside the hospital, throwing rocks and screaming for Lewis. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, but dozens remained, with one woman claiming attendees had "smashed a cop car up." Others threw projectiles at officers.
Commissioner Dole reported that four out of five ambulances in Alice Springs were damaged, making them inoperable, and one police vehicle was burnt to the ground.
The arrest came hours after police discovered Kumanjayi Little Baby's remains and confirmed Lewis's DNA was found on her clothing. Lewis had been sentenced to 64 months in prison between 2016 and 2025 for offences including aggravated assaults, breaching domestic violence orders, bail, and resisting police.
Kumanjayi Little Baby's mother, Jacinta White, paid tribute: "I know you are in heaven with the rest of the family. Me and your brother will meet you one day. We are giving our lives to Jesus."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute, calling the girl "just at the start of life's adventure" and expressing grief for her family.
