Kumanjayi Little Baby’s family ‘relieved’ after charges laid, warn against politicisation

2 hours ago The News Room

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this story includes the name and image of an Indigenous person who has passed away.

This article may be distressing to some readers.

The family of a five-year-old girl allegedly murdered in Central Australia has expressed relief that police have laid charges against a suspect and urged that the tragedy not be turned into a political issue.

“The family of Kumanjayi Little Baby, our queen, is very relieved that charges have been made, and the man will face the court,” Warlpiri Elder and family spokesperson Robin Japanangka Granites told NITV News on Sunday.

“We must now let the justice system do its work,” said Granites, who identifies as the child’s grandfather.

Police announced earlier on Sunday that they had charged 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis with the murder of Kumanjayi Little Baby, following his arrest earlier this week.

Since being detained on Thursday, Lewis has been charged with one count of murder and two other charges that cannot be reported due to legal restrictions. He is expected to appear in Darwin Local Court on Tuesday.

This story was produced in collaboration with NITV News with reporting by Emma Kellaway and Josh van Staden.

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