The funeral for five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, whose alleged murder in April sparked outrage and riots in Alice Springs, has been scheduled for August 15, almost four months after her body was discovered. The prolonged delay has caused anguish for her family, who are still awaiting the final burial.
Kumanjayi's body was found on April 25 in the dry Todd River bed near the town camp where she lived with her mother. The tragic discovery followed a massive search after she was allegedly abducted from the camp late at night. The child's death led to an outpouring of grief nationwide and violent disturbances in Alice Springs following the arrest of a suspect.
Jefferson Lewis, 47, has been charged with Kumanjayi's murder and two other undisclosed charges. He remains in custody, and his case was adjourned until December due to the volume of evidence being compiled. Lewis was arrested on April 30 after a five-day manhunt, and a crowd that gathered at the scene reportedly attacked him as police took him into custody. He was taken to hospital for treatment, and angry crowds later surrounded the facility, setting police cars on fire and looting businesses. Lewis was subsequently transferred to Darwin.
Explaining the Delay
Family members and community elders have explained that the significant delay in holding the funeral was due to the complexities of traditional mourning practices and the need to inform relatives across remote communities. Karen White, Kumanjayi's grandmother, expressed her distress over the extended wait, stating that it was "taking too long." However, Warlpiri elder Robin Granites, a family spokesperson, clarified that the time was needed to complete traditional "sorry business" and to notify relatives, many of whom live in isolated areas without reliable phone access.
"A lot of people are in isolated communities and some don't have phones. We needed to make sure the rightful people knew what was going on," Granites said. He also revealed that Kumanjayi's father, Raphael Granites, is being released from prison to attend the funeral. The funeral is planned to span two days, with a church service featuring a choir to be held the night before the burial at Alice Springs Garden Cemetery.
Child Protection Concerns
Reports have emerged that six child protection reports were filed regarding Kumanjayi in the period leading up to her death, but none were reportedly investigated. The latest report, filed just days before she disappeared, related to an alleged aggravated assault on her mother. The Northern Territory's Department of Children and Families had received reports of Kumanjayi living in a "dangerous environment" from mid-March until two days before she went missing. While authorities had trouble maintaining contact with her mother, who was offered referrals to support services, Kumanjayi was never removed from her mother's care.
NT Police have stated they are preparing for the funeral and will have resources available if needed. A police spokesman offered condolences to the family and emphasized that the day is intended for remembering Kumanjayi and allowing her family and community space to grieve.