TRAGIC END TO SEARCH FOR MISSING 5-YEAR-OLD: Body of Sharon Granites Found in Alice Springs
Alice Springs, Northern Territory – April 30, 2026
The desperate days-long search for a five-year-old girl believed to have been abducted from her home in Alice Springs has ended in unimaginable tragedy.
The body of young Sharon Granites, affectionately known to her family as Kumanjayi Little Baby, was discovered just before midday on Thursday, approximately 5 kilometres from where she was last seen. The heartbreaking discovery has devastated her family, the local Aboriginal community, and the entire nation.
Sharon was reported missing from her home on Marshall Court in the Old Timers Camp community around 1:35am on Sunday. According to Northern Territory Police, the little girl was led away by 47-year-old local man Jefferson Lewis, who was captured on CCTV holding her hand shortly before 11pm on Saturday night.
“This is an incredibly distressing development,” NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole said during an emotional press conference on Thursday afternoon. “Sharon’s family have been formally notified and our thoughts are firmly with them at this devastating time.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following article contains names and images of the deceased.
The Discovery and Evidence
Police located Sharon’s body in a remote area not far from the Todd River. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Friday to determine the exact cause of death.
During the investigation, officers recovered several critical items on the banks of the Todd River behind Old Timers Camp. These included a pair of children’s underwear, a yellow shirt believed to have been worn by Lewis, and a doona cover. Forensic analysis has since confirmed two DNA profiles on the underwear — those of Sharon and Jefferson Lewis.
The evidence has led police to treat the case as a homicide investigation.
Commissioner Dole made a direct and powerful appeal: “I say to the family of Jefferson Lewis, that we believe he’s murdered this child. Do not assist him. Get him to the police station and we’ll look after him. And I say to Jefferson Lewis… we’re coming for you.”
A Community in Mourning
The Old Timers Camp and surrounding Aboriginal communities in Alice Springs are in deep grief. Sharon was described by family members as a bright, joyful little girl who loved playing outside and was always surrounded by cousins and extended family. Her disappearance triggered one of the largest search operations in recent Northern Territory history, involving police, SES volunteers, Aboriginal trackers, and drones.
For four days, the community held onto hope. Prayers were held at local churches and gathering places. Families lit candles and tied ribbons around trees. But as each day passed without news, that hope slowly turned into fear.
Many residents have expressed anger and frustration at what they see as systemic failures in protecting vulnerable children in Alice Springs. The town has long struggled with high rates of crime, substance abuse, and intergenerational trauma. Sharon’s death has reignited painful conversations about child safety, domestic violence, and the need for greater investment in remote communities.
The Manhunt for Jefferson Lewis
As of Thursday evening, Jefferson Lewis remains at large. Police have released his image and are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact them immediately. He is considered dangerous and should not be approached.
Detectives believe Lewis may still be in the Alice Springs region or attempting to travel further into remote Central Australia. Roadblocks have been established, and additional police resources from Darwin and interstate have been deployed.
“We will not rest until this person is brought to justice,” Commissioner Dole stated firmly. “Sharon deserves justice. Her family deserves answers.”
A Nation Mourns
News of Sharon’s death has spread rapidly across Australia, prompting an outpouring of grief from political leaders, celebrities, and everyday citizens. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the tragedy as “every parent’s worst nightmare” and offered his condolences to the Granites family.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton called for an urgent review of child protection services in the Northern Territory. Indigenous Affairs Minister Malarndirri McCarthy, herself an Aboriginal woman, said the death was “yet another heartbreaking reminder of the challenges facing our First Nations communities.”
Vigils are being planned across the country, with a major community gathering expected in Alice Springs this weekend. Blue and pink ribbons — Sharon’s favourite colours — are already appearing on fences, trees, and vehicles throughout the town.
The Human Cost
For Sharon’s family, the pain is beyond words. Relatives have described her as “a little sunshine” who brought light to everyone around her. Extended family members, following cultural protocols, are supporting one another through “sorry business” — the traditional period of mourning.
One aunt, who wished to remain anonymous, told local media: “She was only five. She hadn’t even started school properly. She had her whole life ahead of her. Now we have to bury our baby.”
This tragedy comes at a time when Alice Springs continues to battle complex social issues. Despite numerous government initiatives and millions of dollars in funding, crime rates — particularly involving children — remain alarmingly high. Many community leaders say more needs to be done to address alcohol abuse, family violence, and inadequate housing.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have appealed for anyone who saw Sharon or Jefferson Lewis between Saturday night and Sunday morning to come forward. They are particularly interested in CCTV footage, dashcam recordings, or eyewitness accounts from the Old Timers Camp and Todd River areas.
A large-scale search involving specialist police units continues in the region where the body was found, as investigators work to piece together the final hours of Sharon’s life.
The Northern Territory Government has announced it will provide full support to the Granites family, including counselling services and funeral assistance.
As the sun sets over the red desert landscape of Central Australia, a heavy sadness hangs over Alice Springs. A small five-year-old girl who should have been playing safely with her family has been taken far too soon.
The search for Sharon Granites may be over, but the search for justice has only just begun.
Anyone with information is urged to contact NT Police on 1800 333 000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.