Alice Springs Unrest: Girl Found Dead & Violent Protests Erupt in Australia

Violence has erupted in Alice Springs, Australia, following the arrest of Jefferson Lewis, 47, in connection with the alleged murder of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby. The arrest on Thursday night sparked riots outside Alice Springs Hospital, with crowds calling for “payback” and clashing with police, according to reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and 7NEWS.

Kumanjayi Little Baby’s body was found approximately 5 kilometers south of Alice Springs on Thursday morning, after she had been missing since Sunday. Lewis was apprehended after being allegedly beaten by vigilantes and taken to the hospital, prompting a large gathering of angry residents demanding his punishment. Police subsequently flew Lewis to Darwin for his safety, as reported by the Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole.

Unrest and Police Response

Police Commissioner Dole warned those involved in the riots and supporters of Lewis that they would be pursued by law enforcement. The unrest began after Lewis’s arrest at 10:30 pm on Thursday for the alleged murder of Kumanjayi Little Baby, as confirmed by Commissioner Dole. Rioters threw rocks at police, who responded with tear gas, according to 7NEWS.

The Northern Territory Police Commissioner confirmed the arrest of Jefferson Lewis for the alleged murder of Kumanjayi Little Baby earlier this morning. The commissioner warned supporters of the man accused and those who rioted that police are coming for them.

Traditional Owners to Address the Public

Traditional owners in Alice Springs are scheduled to hold a press conference on Friday to address the unrest following the suspected murder. The ABC reports that many rioters were accusing police of protecting Lewis and were calling for traditional punishment under Aboriginal law in Central Australia.

The Disappearance and Discovery

Kumanjayi Little Baby was reported missing from her home on Marshall Ct in Old Timers Camp, Alice Springs, around 1:35 am on Sunday. A widespread search was launched, focusing on locating Jefferson Lewis, who was the last person seen with the child, according to reports. Her body was discovered just before midday on Thursday.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the name and image of a deceased Indigenous person, used with the permission of their family.

The Northern Territory Chief Minister and the Police Commissioner have both condemned the violence that erupted outside Alice Springs Hospital on Thursday night following the arrest of Jefferson Lewis.