Family of Kumanjayi Little Baby call for calm

The family of Kumanjayi Little Baby has called for calm and respect after a riot erupted outside Alice Springs Hospital following the arrest of the five-year-old girl’s alleged killer, Jefferson Lewis.

The appeal came as police detailed a violent night that left emergency workers injured and vehicles destroyed or damaged.

Key Points

Authorities confirmed the arrest of Jefferson Lewis on Thursday night, after he was located at a residence in Alice Springs at about 9.30pm.

Police said the arrest followed earlier reports that he had attended Charles Creek Camp, where he was beaten by a group of vigilantes and taken to Alice Springs Hospital for treatment before being evacuated to Darwin.

Dramatic scenes unfolded at Alice Springs Hospital on Thursday night as crowds gathered following the arrest. Sky News Australia broadcast footage of police responding to protesters and a police vehicle on fire outside the hospital.

Sky News Northern Australia Correspondent Matt Cunningham reported that about 400 people gathered and clashed with police for approximately two to three hours, describing the scenes as chaotic. People at the hospital were heard demanding the man be brought out, as tensions spiralled.

Police said rocks, bottles and other objects were allegedly hurled at officers. Tear gas and other methods were deployed as part of the response to regain control. One police vehicle was destroyed while three of four others were significantly damaged. Four of the five ambulances available in Alice Springs were taken out of action and damaged, and Fire and Rescue vehicles were also damaged.

Police response

NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole told reporters that Lewis was subjected to what he described as a sustained attack at one of the town camps in Alice Springs on Thursday night. He said the attack occurred after police confirmed the discovery of Kumanjayi Little Baby’s body and that police received numerous phone calls as members of the camp inflicted what he called vigilante justice on Lewis.

Commissioner Dole said Lewis was arrested by police and taken to Alice Springs Hospital for treatment. At the time of police apprehension, he was unconscious and being treated by St Johns Ambulance when paramedics and police were set upon. Commissioner Dole said Lewis was later released by Northern Territory Health and was in police custody.

The Commissioner told Sky News that Lewis had been transferred from Alice Springs Hospital to Darwin in the early hours of Friday morning. He said Lewis was treated in Alice Springs and deemed fit for custody before being flown via the police air wing to Darwin at about 3.30am.

“Attacks on frontline workers are never acceptable,”

— Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said she hoped the rioting was an isolated incident and condemned violence against emergency services personnel. She said she understood that people were angry and grieving, but insisted there was never an excuse to assault frontline workers.

NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole told reporters that Lewis was subjected to what he described as a sustained attack.

She added that emergency services have a very important job to do and that the public must allow them to do that job, noting that the events should not define what had been an incredible community effort over the week.

Family appeal and cultural protocols

In a statement on behalf of the family, senior Yapa elder Robin Granites urged the community across Central Australia to respect the family’s need for space to grieve and remember Kumanjayi Little Baby. He acknowledged widespread grief and heightened emotions, but called for calm and respect for cultural practices and families mourning.

“Now is not the time to be heroes on social media or make trouble.”

— Robin Granites

Mr Granites asked residents in bush communities to reconsider travelling to Alice Springs unless they were specifically joining the family for Sorry Business.

He asked that people come for mourning and then return home. He also emphasised that Mparntwe is traditional country for Central Arrernte, and East and Western Arrernte, and urged respect for their ways. He said the community must be strong for each other, and that respect for family and cultural practice is the Yapa way.