Authorities are on the hunt for a former prisoner in connection with the likely kidnapping of a 5-year-old girl in the Northern Territory, as the search for her intensifies.
Sharon Granites, aged 5, vanished from her residence on Marshall Court in Old Timers Camp, located south of Alice Springs, at approximately 11:30 pm on Saturday.
Investigators suspect she may have left her home after being tucked into bed, possibly exiting through an unlatched back door.
When last seen, Sharon was dressed in a dark blue short-sleeve T-shirt, distinguished by a white ring stripe around the neck and sleeves, paired with black boxer-style shorts.
The NT Police, in their Monday update, called for the public’s help in tracking down 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis, who is considered a person of interest in the case.
According to reports from 9 News, Lewis was present at the same location during the time of the incident.
Acting Commander Mark Grieve said he remains one of the few people in the area at the time and had not made himself known to police, nor could he be located.
He told the broadcaster Lewis had recently been released from prison for violent offences, including assault and domestic violence.
Earlier on Sunday, Detective Acting Superintendent Michael Ordelman said Sharon’s mother “went back to check on her and her mother was the one who telephoned police.”
Lewis was not in prison for child-related crimes, Commander Grieve said.
“He was in and around the house at that point in time, so I’m assuming there was some sort of recognition of who he may be,” Commander Grieves said.
“He’s the only person that we haven’t been able to locate and speak to who was in and around that area at the time.”
Lewis was believed to have disappeared at the same time as Sharon, Commander Grieves said.
The search for Sharon resumed on Monday morning after overnight searches failed to find her.
Sharon was last seen wearing a dark blue short-sleeve T-shirt with a white ring stripe around the neck and end of the sleeves and a pair of black boxer-style underwear.
Police said the search for the little girl had rocked the community.
“Obviously, it’s a terrible situation to have such a young child go missing,” Commander Grieve said.
“We’re over 24 hours now, so it’d certainly be my worst nightmare as a parent.”
Commander Grieve urged anyone with information to come forward.
“We want to find Sharon healthy, and we want to get her back to her family,” he said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference number P26120934.
