Police in Australia's Northern Territory say they have found the body of a 5-year-old girl they believe was abducted and murdered from her home in the remote Outback.
The child, identified only as Kumanjayi Little Baby for cultural reasons, was last seen being put to bed just before midnight on Saturday at Old Timers Camp, an Aboriginal town camp near Alice Springs.
![]()
Authorities recovered the body Thursday. Forensic testing is underway to confirm the identity and cause of death.
Investigators say they believe 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis murdered the girl. Lewis was released from prison just six days before the child vanished and disappeared around the same time. Police say a pair of children's underwear found near the camp contained the DNA of both the child and Lewis.
Lewis, reported to be a distant relative, has a history of domestic and family violence offenses. He was seen holding hands with the girl the night she disappeared. He has no phone, bank account, or car. Police believe he may have received assistance and are appealing for information.
"This is the worst possible outcome," said NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole.