Jefferson Lewis, 47, has been charged with murder over the death of a five-year-old child in Alice Springs.

The child is being respectfully referred to as Kumanjayi Little Baby, in line with Aboriginal cultural practices and the wishes of her family and community.

The charge was confirmed by the Northern Territory Police Force, following a major investigation that began after Kumanjayi Little Baby was reported missing from a town camp in Alice Springs last weekend. A large search involving police and community members was launched before the child’s body was later located, prompting a homicide investigation.

He is facing two additional charges that cannot be publicly detailed for legal reasons.

NT Police said Lewis was arrested in Alice Springs following extensive enquiries. He was later transported to Darwin for safety and court proceedings and has been remanded in custody. He is expected to appear in Alice Springs Local Court on Tuesday via audio visual link.

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