‘There’s no trace’: NT Police believe young girl’s suspected abductor is being helped
Northern Territory Police believe a man suspected of abducting five-year-old Sharon Granites in Alice Springs is being helped to evade capture, as the search enters its fourth day with no trace of the girl or 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis. Authorities suspect Lewis, who was released from prison six days prior, took the girl from an Aboriginal town camp after a party involving alcohol. Despite extensive ground, air, and community efforts, including forensic analysis of seized items, no leads have confirmed their whereabouts. Police urge anyone with information to come forward, stressing the urgency for the child's survival.
- ▪Five-year-old Sharon Granites was last seen at the Old Timers Aboriginal town camp on the outskirts of Alice Springs before 11pm on Saturday.
- ▪Jefferson Lewis, 47, a recently released prisoner with a history of violent offenses, is the prime suspect and was last seen holding hands with Sharon.
- ▪Police have found a yellow shirt, a doona, and child’s underwear at a riverside crime scene, which are undergoing forensic analysis in Darwin.
- ▪Over 100 police and volunteers have searched 5 square kilometres on foot and 80 by air and vehicle, but Lewis has no digital footprint, complicating efforts.
- ▪NT Police believe Lewis is still in the Alice Springs area and is receiving assistance from others to remain hidden.
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