The grandmother of Kumanjayi Little Baby, the five-year-old Alice Springs girl whose alleged murder shocked Australia, has described the anguish of waiting nearly four months for the child’s funeral.
Kumanjayi’s body was discovered on April 25 in the dry bed of the Todd River, close to the Aboriginal Town Camp where she had been living with her mother. She is now due to be laid to rest on August 15.
Her death prompted an outpouring of grief across the country and ignited violent unrest in Alice Springs after 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis, the man accused of killing her, was arrested.
Police allege Kumanjayi was taken from the town camp late at night, triggering a large-scale search that ended five days later when her body was found about 5km away.
Despite the grim discovery, no funeral has been held in the months since, leaving grieving relatives waiting for the chance to say goodbye.
Speaking to the Daily Mail on Thursday, Kumanjayi’s grandmother Karen White, who is also the aunt of the child’s mother, Jacinta White, said the process was “taking too long”.
She said “people” were responsible for the delay, but did not specify who she believed had held up the funeral arrangements.
Warlpiri elder and family figurehead Robin Granites said the delay was linked to the time needed to complete traditional “sorry business” mourning practices and to notify relatives living in remote communities.
Five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby was allegedly murdered around Anzac Day
Grandmother figure Karen White said she didn’t know why her funeral was taking so long
Granites family spokesperson, Warlpiri elder Robin Granites, explained the delay
He said mourners would be travelling from Yuendumu – 300km north-east of Alice Springs – while others were also coming from overseas.
‘I know it’s a bit late, but people needed to be told what was going on,’ he said.
‘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.’
Mr Granites also revealed Kumanjayi’s father, Raphael Granites, was being released from prison to attend his daughter’s funeral.
‘He’ll be in there for quite a while, but he is coming out for it,’ Mr Granites said.
He revealed the funeral would span two days, with the burial occurring at Alice Springs Garden Cemetery from 10am to 1pm.
The night before, a church service featuring a choir will be held.
Mr Granites said the family was still recovering from the tragedy.
Jefferson Lewis is facing court over Kumanjayi’s alleged murder
Mourners gathered near the child’s home in May, placing flowers in remembrance
‘We are OK. We are looking after each other and connecting together,’ he said.
Lewis was arrested after a five-day manhunt and remanded in custody charged with murder and two other charges that cannot be disclosed for legal reasons.
He faced Alice Springs Local Court again last week but the case was adjourned to December because of the extensive amount of evidence being collated.
The ABC reported Kumanjayi’s family did not wish to enter the court but that some extended family sat outside on the lawns opposite.
When Lewis was found hiding near a storage container on April 30, a crowd gathered demanding mob justice.
Lewis was beaten and ambulance officers were injured as police attempted to take him into custody, but were forced to take him to hospital instead due to his injuries.
The angry mob then gathered around the hospital, throwing rocks, setting police cars on fire and looting local businesses.
Lewis was rushed to Darwin in the early hours of May 1 on a private jet to get him out of reach of the furious locals and for the safety of hospital staff.
The little girl’s death sparked fury in Alice Springs, with locals demanding mob justice
On Thursday NT Police told the Daily Mail they were making preparations for the funeral.
‘Police are aware of the funeral, and our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones during this difficult time,’ said a spokesman.
‘Where necessary, police will have appropriate resources available to respond to any matters that may arise.
‘However, the day is about remembering and reflecting on the life of a much-loved little girl and allowing her family and community the space to grieve.’
Six child protection reports were made about Kumanjayi shortly before her death – but none were investigated, The Australian revealed.
The latest report was in connection to an alleged aggravated assault on the little girl’s mother on April 22. Her father was charged and remains in custody.
Northern Territory’s Department of Children and Families received reports about the five-year-old living in a ‘dangerous environment’ from mid-March until two days before she disappeared.
Police responded to two reports in March and four more in April, with sources claiming officers were frustrated by a lack of action by child services.
It’s understood Kumanjayi Little Baby’s mother was given referrals to support services but authorities had trouble staying in touch with her.
The five-year-old was never removed from her mother’s care.
