Source : Perth Now news
A body believed to be that of missing five-year-old Sharon Granites has been found in Central Australia, with police alleging the young girl was murdered.
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole confirmed the devastating development on Thursday afternoon, describing it as the “worst possible outcome”.
“Just before midday today, police members of the search party located the body of a young Aboriginal girl we believe to be five-year-old Sharon Granites,” he said.
“The body was found about five kilometers south of the crime scene at Old Timers camp. This is an incredibly distressing development.
“Sharon’s family have been formally notified, and our thoughts are firmly with them at this devastating time.”
Police said they were not yet able to confirm the cause of death or how long the child had been deceased.
A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted as early as Friday.
“A post mortem examination will now be conducted, most likely, tomorrow, and that will be a critical step in establishing those facts,” Commissioner Dole said.
“The criminal investigation is ongoing and a coronial process will now also begin. As a result, there will be now limitations on what we can say publicly.
“Finally, this is devastating news, not only for Sharon’s family, but also the first responders, the Alice Springs community and all of those around Australia who have been worrying for Sharon.
“The support shown during this time has been overwhelming, and this is the worst possible outcome.”
Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley, who is leading the investigation, said forensic testing had linked key evidence recovered earlier in the investigation to recently released prisoner Jefferson Lewis.
“Of significance is the pair of child’s underwear,” he said.
“We located two DNA profiles on the underwear. One is expected, belongs to the little girl, Sharon, and the other belongs to Jefferson Lewis.
“So the focus right now is to locate Jefferson Lewis.”
Mr Malley also had a message for anyone helping Lewis evade police.
“So I say to the family of Jefferson Lewis that we believe he’s murdered this child,” he said.
“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.”
More to come.
