Tragically, the body of five-year-old Sharon Granites was discovered five days after she disappeared while in the company of Jefferson Lewis, a 47-year-old ex-convict known for his violent past.
Authorities located Sharon’s body late Thursday morning, approximately 5 kilometers south of the Old Timers camp near Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Her disappearance occurred on Anzac Day, prompting an intensive search.
The breakthrough in the case came when investigators found her underwear and a yellow shirt, identified as belonging to Lewis, at a crime scene close to the camp.
Forensic tests confirmed that the clothing contained DNA from both Sharon and Lewis, according to police reports.
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole expressed deep sorrow over the situation, labeling the incident as the worst possible outcome. He accused Lewis, a distant relative of Sharon, of her murder.
“Our immediate priority is apprehending Jefferson Lewis,” stated NT Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley during a briefing on Thursday afternoon.
‘I say to the family of Jefferson Lewis that we believe he’s murdered this child. Do not assist him.
The body of five-year-old Sharon Granites was found 5km from where she was abducted
The investigation has now turned to apprehending Lewis, who police allege murdered the child
Child’s underwear found in the search had DNA traces matching both Sharon and Lewis
‘Get him to the police station and we’ll look after him. And I say to Jefferson Lewis, we’re coming for you.’
Commr Dole added police ‘were not in a position today to provide answers around the cause of Sharon’s death, or how long she may have been deceased’.
‘A post-mortem examination will now be conducted, most likely tomorrow, and that will be a critical step in establishing those facts,’ he added.
‘The criminal investigation is ongoing, and a coronial process will now also begin. As a result, there will now be 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.’
More than 170 volunteers have scoured chest-high grass and deep sand near Old Timers town camp since she vanished.
Just before her body was found, NT Police made a public callout for experienced civilian horse-riders to join the search.
More than 170 people helped search for the little girl
Searchers battled difficult conditions in chest-high grass and soft sand
Police captured bodycam vision of Lewis in a distinctive yellow shirt on an unrelated callout
He spoke to police on the same day he is alleged to have abducted Sharon later that night
It was confirmed this morning that Sharon was ‘non-verbal’ and communicated using her hands.
Lewis was seen leading Sharon away around 11pm on the night of her disappearance, soon after her mother put her to bed, and police were called around 1.30am.
They had earlier attended the area that evening on an unrelated call, where Lewis – wearing his distinctive yellow shirt that was seized by forensics at the crime scene – was captured on bodycam vision.
Police said at the time he is alleged to have abducted Sharon, he was ‘probably’ under the influence of alcohol following a social gathering.
Lewis remains at large, and does not have a vehicle, a phone or even a bank card, rendering modern-day investigation techniques used by police effectively useless.
In October 2024 Lewis was given a total sentence of 18 months, with a 12-month non-parole period.
It’s understood Lewis – who was released from prison without conditions despite a lengthy list of criminal convictions – was staying at a home within Old Timers, and was known to Sharon’s family.
NT Police commissioner Martin Dole (left) and asst cmmr Peter Malley address media
Police said Sharon and her mother had attended the address that night to do some washing and her mother was ‘distraught’ at her daughter’s disappearance.
Lewis was sentenced to four months in prison in March 2025, after pleading guilty to breaching a domestic violence order and resisting police.
