The man accused of murdering five-year-old girl Kumanjayi Little Baby has been found and arrested.
Northern Territory Police have confirmed that Jefferson Lewis was arrested at a home in Alice Springs on Thursday night.
“A short time ago, the Northern Territory Police Force located and arrested Jefferson Lewis at a residence in Alice Springs,” police said in a statement.
“Further information will be provided early in the morning.”
The 47-year-old had been the subject of a manhunt across Central Australia after Kumanjaya Little Baby was reported missing from Old Timers Camp on the outskirts of Alice Springs in the early hours of Sunday morning.
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Police alleged Lewis, who was staying at the town camp, led the little girl away.
His arrest comes on the same day the body believed to be that of the missing five-year-old was found just 5km south of the crime scene at Old Timers camp.
Earlier, the little girls’ mother, who requested her daughter be referred to as “Kumanjayi Little Baby”, shared a heartbreaking letter from herself and her son.
“Me and Ramsiah miss and love you,” she said.
“I know you are in heaven with the rest of the family with Jesus and the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Me and your brother will meet you one day.
“It is going to be so hard to live the rest of our lives without you.
“Ramsiah wants to tell you that when he sees you in heaven, he is going to give you the biggest hug ever. Love from mum and Ramsiah.”
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole confirmed the devastating development on Thursday afternoon, describing it as the “worst possible outcome”.
“Just before midday today, police members of the search party located the body of a young Aboriginal girl,” he said.
“This is an incredibly distressing development.”
Police said they were not yet able to confirm the cause of death or how long the child had been deceased. An autopsy is expected to be conducted as early as Friday.
“That will be a critical step in establishing those facts,” Mr Dole said.
“The criminal investigation is ongoing and a coronial process will now also begin. This is devastating news not only for the immediate and extended family, but also the first responders, the Alice Springs community, and all those around Australia who have been worrying for this little girl.”
Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley, who is leading the investigation, said forensic testing had linked key evidence recovered from a nearby crime scene to their suspect.
“Of significance is the pair of child’s underwear,” he said.
“We located two DNA profiles on the underwear. One is expected, belongs to the little girl, (Kumanjayi Little Baby), and the other belongs to Jefferson Lewis.”
Before Lewis was found, Mr Malley had a message to anyone helping him evade authorities.
“So I say to the family of Jefferson Lewis that we believe he’s murdered this child,” he said. “Do not assist him. Get him to the police station and we’ll look after him,” he said.
“And I say to Jefferson Lewis, we’re coming for you.”
Lewis was released from prison six days before Kumanjayi Little Baby vanished.
