A man has been charged with the murder of a 5-year-old Indigenous girl in a “deeply distressing” case that has sparked grief and anger across Australia.
The girl, who is being referred to as Kumanjayi Little Baby, was reported missing from her home in a remote Aboriginal community near the outback town of Alice Springs late on Saturday last week.
Her disappearance prompted a major search on foot, horseback and by helicopter, before police located her body on Thursday, about 3km south of where she went missing.
The girl has been given the name Kumanjayi Little Baby in accordance with Indigenous custom, which discourages the use of a deceased person’s given name after death.
Soon after detectives found her body, suspect Jefferson Lewis, 47, was arrested. Lewis had been beaten unconscious after turning himself in to Indigenous community members.
Northern Territory Police on Sunday said Lewis had been charged with murder and two counts of rape.
“This remains a deeply distressing matter,” Martin Dole, the Northern Territory police commissioner, said.
“Our thoughts are with Kumanjayi’s family, loved ones, and the wider community that have been deeply impacted by these events.”
Riots broke out on Thursday night as the Aboriginal community called for Lewis to face traditional “payback” rather than be taken into custody.
“Payback” is a form of justice that can involve physical punishment – determined by elders – aimed at accountability and restoring social balance.
Angry crowds clashed with police as they tried to stop them from taking Lewis to hospital for treatment.
Pictures of the riot showed tear gas being used, a police vehicle in flames and crowds yelling at armed officers keeping people at bay.
Anthony Albanese, the Australian Prime Minister, said the girl’s death had broken hearts across the nation.
“This is the tragic outcome we were all desperately hoping against,” he said. “No words can measure up to the immensity of the grief her family is going through.
“In their time of terrible loss, all Australians hold them in our hearts.”
Robin Granites, a spokesman for the family and an elder of the Warlpiri Indigenous group, called for calm in the community.
“It is time now for sorry business, to show respect for our family and have space for grieving and remembering,” he said in a statement.
“We need to be strong for each other, we must respect family and cultural practice.”
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