The grieving family of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby has left their Alice Springs home permanently after her alleged abduction and murder, saying the property where she disappeared has become too painful to return to.

The girl’s grandmother, Karen White, said the family would return to the remote community of Yuendumu. She said the home held too many painful memories following the child’s disappearance.

Kumanjayi’s body was discovered in scrubland on Thursday, about 5 kilometers from the Old Timers Camp home where she was allegedly taken. Her mother, Jacinta, has since sought refuge at a safe house.

As floral tributes continued to appear around the property, the tragedy was followed by violent unrest in Alice Springs.

Warlpiri elder and family spokesman Robin Granites appealed for calm, saying the violence was not consistent with the community’s values. He called for people to respect the grieving family and allow time for mourning.

The arrest of 47-year-old suspect Jefferson Lewis was followed by a large gathering at Alice Springs Hospital. Police said as many as 400 people attempted to enter the hospital, where Lewis had been taken after his arrest.

Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole described the situation as “absolute anarchy” and rejected calls for traditional payback against the suspect.

Dole said Lewis was in police custody and would face prosecution through the Australian legal system. He stressed that the law applied to everyone, including those involved in the violence.

Police said Lewis had allegedly been assaulted before officers arrived. According to Dole, the suspect was found unconscious after members of a town camp allegedly attacked him. Officers intervened and arrested him before he was later flown to Darwin for his safety.

The unrest continued outside the hospital, where police vehicles were set on fire and emergency workers were attacked. Dole said a police officer suffered a head injury requiring stitches, while a Northern Territory Fire and Rescue officer sustained a significant facial injury.

Several ambulance officers also suffered soft-tissue injuries during the violence, according to police.

Footage of Lewis’s arrest showed officers finding him lying face-down on the ground. His face appeared bloodied as officers turned him over and placed him in handcuffs.

Aboriginal elder Michael Liddle condemned the violence, saying the community had previously united in the search for the missing child. He said the actions of people involved in the unrest had undermined that community effort.

The violence also caused significant disruption to local services. According to the NT News, damage to a looted Shell service station could exceed $100,000, while four of Alice Springs’ five ambulances were reportedly taken out of service during the unrest.

In response to the situation, Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro introduced strict alcohol restrictions in the area.

Police Commissioner Dole warned that people involved in the riots, as well as anyone who helped the suspect evade authorities, could also face investigation and prosecution.

SOURCE: The West Australian, Caitlin Vinci, May 2, 2026.