Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are warned the following article contains names and images of the deceased.
Chilling new claims have emerged about items the man accused of murdering a five-year-old girl was allegedly carrying when he was found by a group of young boys following a five-day search.
Jefferson Lewis, 47, has been charged with murder after the child — now referred to as Kumanjayi Little Baby — was found dead on April 25, five days after she was allegedly lured away from the Old Timers Aboriginal Town Camp in Alice Springs.
According to Daily Mail, Lewis was allegedly seen with a children’s pram when a group of vigilantes found him lying behind a shipping container, holding a stick.
A pink plastic unicorn toy was also seen at the scene by Daily Mail.
The fugitive allegedly tried to run from the vigilantes but was beaten unconscious.
He was taken to Alice Springs Hospital, where a riot erupted as angry residents demanded he face “traditional payback”.
Lewis was arrested on Thursday night, hours after the discovery of a child’s body about 5km from where the girl disappeared.
In the early hours of Friday morning, Lewis was flown to Darwin by the NT Police air wing for his own safety and that of hospital staff.
He has been remanded in custody and is expected to appear in Darwin Local Court on Tuesday.
Following the violent riots, Kumanjayi Little Baby’s family has called for calm.
“What has happened this week is not our way,” senior Warlpiri elder and family spokesman Robin Granites said.
“Our children are precious, of course we are feeling angry and hurt at what has happened.
“It is time now for sorry business, to show respect for our family and have space for grieving and remembering.”
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