Violent unrest in Alice Springs following murder of five-year-old girl

A 47-year-old man, Jefferson Lewis, is under police guard at a hospital in Alice Springs, Australia, following his arrest for the alleged abduction and murder of a five-year-old girl from the local Indigenous community. The girl, referred to by her family as Kumunjayi Little Baby, disappeared from her home on the outskirts of Alice Springs last Saturday. Her body was discovered by search volunteers on Thursday in the surrounding bushland. Before his arrest, Lewis was confronted and assaulted by local residents who had tracked him to a camp. Following the incident, approximately 400 people gathered outside the Alice Springs hospital where the suspect was receiving treatment and attempted to gain entry. Police Superintendent Martin Dole confirmed that the suspect has a history of violent offenses and was recently released from prison. Lewis has since been transferred to Darwin to ensure his safety and manage the situation. Authorities are currently investigating both the murder and the subsequent public disturbance.