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Lewis, 47, is accused of killing five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby near Alice Springs in the NT.
on Tuesday via video link from custody in Darwin, where he is being held over the alleged murder of five‑year‑old Kumanjayi Little Baby. LIVE UPDATES:The alleged killing has horrified the tight‑knit community, which spent anxious days scouring creek beds and scrub for the missing girl before her body was found in bushland outside the town five days after she disappeared.
Kumanjayi – the name used in line with cultural tradition after her death – vanished from a home in a town camp, triggering a massive land and air search across central Australia. He was placed under guard at Alice Springs Hospital, where a large, angry crowd gathered demanding he face traditional justice, before he was flown to Darwin by the NTThe alleged murder gained nationwide attention and fuelled days of unrest, including looting and attacks on emergency services.
Crowds demanded traditional justice, with emergency workers attacked and police vehicles and ambulances damaged. More than a dozen people have since been arrested over the unrest, while police are also searching for people they believe sheltered Lewis during the days‑long search.2026 BUDGET:Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy told ABC's 7.30 program it was important to remember Kumanjayi was very loved by her family, who were in deep mourning and did not want her death to be turned into a political fight.
She also backed National Children's Commissioner Sue‑Anne Hunter, who said children cannot be safe in overcrowded or rundown houses and that governments still had "a hell of a lot of work" to do to keep Aboriginal children safe. Candlelight vigils for Kumanjayi are planned for Thursday and mourners have been asked to wear pink, her favourite colour, as the community comes together to grieve and remember her short life.
For 24/7 crisis support run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, contact 13YARN . Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
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Healing ceremonies across Northern Territory grieve death of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little BabyThe Northern Territory is continuing to grieve the short life of a five-year-old girl today, with crowds in Alice Springs to pay tribute by donning pink — her favourite colour.
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Family Tribute and National Mourning for Kumanjayi Little BabyKumanjayi Little Baby's family held a moving tribute at the site where she was last seen, as the Northern Territory and the nation mourn her death. Jefferson Lewis has been charged with her murder and will appear in court. Vigils are planned across Australia, and communities are rallying to support the family.
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Alice Springs Man Accused in Kumanjayi Little Baby Death Excused From CourtJefferson Lewis, accused of murdering five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, did not appear at his first court hearing as prosecutors request a lengthy adjournment and the community mourns.
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Jefferson Lewis excused from first court appearance since 5yo Kumanjayi Little Baby's alleged murderThe man accused of murdering five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby has been excused from appearing in court in the Northern Territory.
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Accused child killer Jefferson Lewis excused from first court appearance over death of Kuminjayi Little Baby7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
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