Story perspectives

Police Charge Jefferson Lewis With Murder of Kumanjayi Little Baby

8/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hundreds attended the funeral of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby in Alice Springs on 15 August 2026, where elder Robin Japanangka Granites opened the service and asked attendees to wear pink.
Mother Jacinta Roy urged remembrance of her daughter’s love for pink, puppies and cartoons, while Pastor Rejieli Paulo-Smith delivered an eulogy noting the girl’s peace sign.
Police charged 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis with the alleged murder after the body was found on 30 April 2026.

History

Historical Context

Since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody released its 339-recommendation report in April 1991, only 64 % had been fully implemented by the 2018 Deloitte review commissioned by Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion. With 474 further Indigenous deaths recorded by 2021, the funeral of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby in Alice Springs revives calls from elder Robin Japanangka Granites and mother Jacinta Roy for full reform.

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Story summary

Hundreds attended the funeral of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby in Alice Springs on 15 August 2026, where elder Robin Japanangka Granites opened the service and asked attendees to wear pink.
Mother Jacinta Roy urged remembrance of her daughter’s love for pink, puppies and cartoons, while Pastor Rejieli Paulo-Smith delivered an eulogy noting the girl’s peace sign.
Police charged 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis with the alleged murder after the body was found on 30 April 2026.

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